Gift isn’t enough for mom who asks for more

Dear Abby: I’m a professional, well-educated adult who moved back home because of concerns about my father’s health as well as having landed a much better job. As an extra perk, I’ve been able to save money to pay toward my student loans, as well as spoil my parents a bit as they grow older.

I recently gifted my parents their dream vacation. They loved it the first time and never imagined they’d be able to do it twice. Because my parents still have a minor child who cannot remain alone, I am choosing, as I did last time, to use my personal vacation time to babysit. My mother has now asked me to take more time off work so they can have a road trip after their vacation.

Abby, I am already draining every bit of my time off for their weeklong vacation and will not be able to have a vacation myself until later in the year. I know she’s requesting this to make the trip more fun for my father. This has left me feeling speechless, a bit unappreciated and frustrated. Am I overreacting? Should I find a way to extend their trip?

Limited In Ohio

Dear Limited: The answer to both of your questions is NO. Your mother apparently doesn’t appreciate how generous you have been in providing these vacations for her and your father. If she wants to extend their holiday, she should make her own arrangements for your sibling to be supervised if she and your dad won’t be available. Shame on her for trying to foist that responsibility onto you.

Dear Abby: I lost my wife recently. She was placed on life support for a short period while the medical staff performed tests to determine the extent of her injuries. When it became apparent that she would spend the rest of her life in a vegetative state, no decisions had to be made.

My wife had an advance directive in place stating she did not want to remain living in this condition. I was extremely fortunate in that no one in her family wanted to contest the document. As hard as it was for me to discontinue life support, I knew it was what she wanted. She passed peacefully, quietly and quickly.

Abby, please encourage your readers to make the time and make the effort to have an advance directive drawn up. It was my wife’s last gift to me, and I will be forever grateful. Remembering Her In Arizona

Dear Remembering Her:

Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your wife. I appreciate you taking the time to share this important information. Your letter serves as a reminder that all end-of-life documents should be reviewed regularly.