Hi everyone, I think you all remember my story about my friend Carol? I had to stop being her caretaker because of her drinking? Of course she denies it. Well, about 3 months ago, a woman, Molly started visiting Carol, She used to live next door to me, but had moved because she was evicted for drug problems and Meth. Even though she moved, she started hovering around Carol. The thing about Carol is that everyone can see she is an 'easy' target ' People borrow money from her and never pay back. Well, Molly is a drug addict and a gambler addict. Now that Molly knows I am not in the picture anymore, she has literally 'swooped' in on Carol and God knows that's going to happen. I will always care for Carol and I can't worry about it anymore, However, her nurse, Barb, who I just love, will keep me informed how Carol is doing. I know that Molly will take full advantage of Carol - but it's Carol's problem, not mine .'
This is such a sad situation. I will pray, Sue
Thanks Sue for responding! It was very hard for me to back off, because I still care for Carol. But over the years she has gotten herself into situations that she knows she is not to be involved in. She just can't help herself. I got so tired of seeing her being taken advantage of and realized that she is never going to change. She is going to be 68 soon and at this age, It seems like it's too late to get her well with her drinking problem. and being used by other people. She's not a happy person at all. I would be lucky to get a smile out of her maybe once a month. She has created situations for herself and she is more comfortable being in it - as it is familiar to her. Anything new or changes that would go on in getting her well, she's not interested! Hugs! Laurie
Hi Lovett - Thanks for responding. When I got married years ago and had two children ( they are in there 30's now, can't believe it!) I completely forgot about taking care of myself. I don't mean my appearance, but emotionally and mentally. It wasn't until 28 years later when I asked my husband for a divorce and the kids were grown, that I finally took the step of living my life the way I wanted to and not have to worry about everyone. What was really stranage about all this, is, I had the house to myself, I was happy to be away from my ex-husband, and had a lot of friends to go out with. Despite all this - I didn't know HOW to take care of myself. I had been so busy thinking of others that it never occured to me to think about myself. I remember standing in the living room, looking around my beautiful home and I realized the material things weren't the important things in my life anymore. It was about me now..For me to be friends with Carol and then suddenly finding myself in the role of a caretaker, came naturally to me, because I raised my family for so many.years. So I helped her out for a little over 2 years and I was getting exhausted with it all My Fbro certainly didn't appreciate it!! LOL I will always miss being friends with Carol, but she has another side to her that I don't like and that I don't trust. Trust is extremely important in whatever kind of relationship you might be in. The trust and respect I had for Carol was completely gone, sadly. I will be fine and move on , as I always will. Hugs!! Laurie