My heart goes out to you... my own parents continue to help my sister and her kids, raising them, paying for everything though both of them are being punished by the economy & bad health having almost lost their trailer & vehicles more then once this year. They get their electricity turned off, and rather borrow from me and my unemployed husband then ask from their church because my mom is too proud.
After months of driving her around listening to her complain about life then ask me for money... I told her I couldn't do it anymore... she treated me poorly, we barely talked, then not at all for awhile. I felt peace in my heart for the first time in a long time, my own husband told me I was so much easier to talk to, less edgy, more smiles everyday... less sobbing for no reason. I didn't realize the tolls on my person she had caused. ...AND I let her do it with no care for myself or my family at the time.
Obviously, your family isn't getting the best of you because you are giving it away, to people who take you for granted, and in return give away their responsibilities for themselves to someone else. That would make me feel even lower. They are their because they can no support themselves... if they have things to give away, then they could have taken care of themselves and instead they disrespected your heart! That's hugely sad in so many ways I haven't the words....
But please, taking advice is nearly impossible in your situation, believe me I know! I asked people what to do... no matter how GOOD the advice... good advice is HARD advice. So I took a few baby steps. She was angry (my father recently told me he didn't blame me), but she's talking to me now... civil... and she goes to her church, and the state for help. My heartache taught her to let go of her pride, as that what was standing in her way, NOT ME!
So look into your wallet, and your kids eyes and tell them... this is for their future! ...but you will ALWAYS love your family!!!
