Didn't you know this is a no apology zone? It's how you and feel. When I have a lot going on and I so-call complain and need some help, you feel sorry for what I'm going through so what's wrong with you feeling sorry for what you are going through? Feeling sorry for ourselves gets a bad name. If you can feel sorry for others, than it holds true that if you are to love yourself you can feel sorry for yourself. Wallowing in self pity is different, I think, than feeling sorry for yourself. What's important is that you realize you have a lot of things going on and can take steps to ease the ones you can. You may not be able to do a darn thing about them, like with your brother, except offer love and support...and you rock at doing that! And that's enough. Move to the next one on your list. You are such a sweetheart; give yourself the same break you give others.