Marmaduke,
My sister, the only one who ever looked out for me(to the best of her ability) has been diagnosed with MS. It's her birthday and she is so desperate to see me that she offered to pay for me to come to her party (this makes it a big deal as she is VERY tight with her money). I don't feel like I can turn her down. She also is no contact with my brother and even has a restraining order on him so I do feel safe at her house....somewhat. I just have to avoid my parents house and comments.