I feel like I'm torn between two worlds...the one where my family is in disarray and the other where we're all so hopeful and disillusioned into thinking we're going to magically beat this...because SO many people have before (joke)...

on the one hand my dad is doing GREAT since he started aricept and now namenda....and my mom is being REALLY proactive in helping him get into trials and studies....

on the other my mom drinks at night and gets VERY emotional...my little brother is pissing me off lately...he's $300 in debt to my parents and can't pay for his own gas...AND he NEEDS a job but wont accept any unless Starbucks hires him...am i wrong or does this seem ridiculous? we're in financial turmoil and he is setting the boundaries for his job? RIDICULOUS!!

i DONT blame him for my grief over my dad or any of that...it's just he's almost 18 years old and needs to be a man...he needs to help out around the house if possible! instead my dad (who's bored and needs stuff to do at our house) ends up cleaning his entire room and doing 4 loads of his laundry and even installed shelves in his closet....sweet of him....God love him! most wonderful man in my life! it's just i don't think it's fair to either of my parents...

for him to exploit my loving father who just wants to prove he's still man of the house...or my mom given her working 45-50 hours a week...

plus my mom works so hard that she's out of town every other week....and frankly i think my little brother should be around my dad in those times...am i crazy?

alright enough ranting...i know i'm putting a LOT of pressure on my little brother...but i am sick of my mom crying and my parents spending infinite amounts of money (that they cannot afford) on my little brother who disregards their financial situation...

the end. *sigh* i know i'm crazy....but i just needed a good rant before bed! love you all and i've missed you tons!!!

Emily, sometimes you just need to pick your battles wisely! It keeps us sane you know!

Your brother will mature in time. I remember some dumb things I did at that age and I'll bet you do too!

As to your dad working in your brother's room, it is probably a blessing! He needs to keep busy. That is great therapy for Dad! I understand where you are coming from, but look at the positive side.

Mom is probably emotionally exhausted, Emily. I am not a drinker, but I do understand. It sounds like she has a lot on her plate right now. Does she have any Church family to turn to?

You know, your dad should not be left alone. There are so many things that can happen. If your mom is going to continue to work and leave town, she should be considering making some arrangements for him to have someone there with him all the time.

Hope your school is going well. Winter break is coming soon!