i read all the posts before i responded. i am so sorry your life is in such turmoil. it seems to me that a lot of life events have drained you dry...a lot of loss in a short period of time. plus, the people around you are also draining you dry. do you think you can just state that you are going to take care of yourself and those other people need to take care of themselves? i'd like to suggest you say, "i'm not your mother!!!" but that wouldn't help the tenuous situation. instead be firm, set your boundaries with them (verbally and emotionally), and go on about your own business. my T told me one time that people will take and take as long as i allow it. that's when he taught me about boundaries. about loving myself enough to not be everyone's punching bag or human doormat. i hope this helps some. keep posting about this even if it's just to rant. at least that will let some of the steam off. you're burning up a lot of mental energy that you need for yourself...not them. hugs