I am the sole caregiver of my mother, who suffered a stroke 10 years ago. My husband cannot take vacations because I don't have anyone I can trust to leave her with. I have two sisters and one brother who have gone on with their lives. Is it wrong for me to feel a little jealous when they bragg to me about all the wonderful vacations they are taking? They never offer to help, they just bragg. I'm feeling very left out of everything. They ignore me when I ask for help.
—Asha Rodriguez, USA
Dear Asha,
It’s probably safe to say that it’s never really helpful to feel jealous about anybody or any situation.
I would suggest that you be very honest with your siblings about the challenge you face with taking care of your mother and the need you have to take some time off to be able to take vacations. Try not to be caught by your emotions but be clear that you do need their support.
You might also want to research the possibility of finding some outside care provider that can handle some of your mother’s needs. Ask your siblings for their input since you might need their financial support to make this possible.
If you aren’t already doing this, include your siblings and your mother in your daily healing prayers. Visualize them surrounded and infused with God’s healing energy and ask that the right things unfold for your family.
In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Pranaba
