(I share the following because it shows what we do sometimes to our family and others.)
A mother sends a 1000 word email to tell me of the pain she's in because of the way her addict son is treating her.
He abuses her verbally. She's spent so much on him that she's losing her house. He creates problems in her marriage because his stepfather doesn't want him on their property. Plus he makes threats when she won't help him.
The email goes on to list his troubled history. He's committed crimes and gone to jail. He's fathered children he doesn't support. He's on probation in two different states. The list goes on.
His behavior has caused so much stress that she's been in the emergency room twice recently. On top of that, her husband is ill and her dog is paralyzed.
People have told her she should cut her son loose. To quit helping him because he's manipulating her. But she won't. She says she loves him too much.
She wonders if TLC can help.
And I tell her we can help if he wants it. But it doesn't sound like he does.
I suggest that she quit being a victim. And that she let him go before he creates more stress in her life. The same thing others have told her.
But I doubt if she will. She says she "worries" so much about him being out in the cold, hungry, and without transportation.
And as long as she feels that way he'll keep misusing her.
Click her to email John
