My estranged brother just contacted me to tell me he is probably dying of cancer of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver (his words - I find it strange he doesn't know exactly what is wrong). He says he needs a transplant. He is a long term (nearly 40 years) drug user. He has always been very manipulative and self oriented. I am having a hard time being compassionate toward him. I told him that I am sorry to hear he is ill but that is all that I can do. I am a single working mom with one child in college and another going in a year. I don't have time or energy to deal with my brother but I still feel bad. I practice all the 7 steps above but wonder if compassion can be taken too far. I can't get this out of my head right now.
On Aug 16, 2011 guest wrote:
My estranged brother just contacted me to tell me he is probably dying of cancer of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver (his words - I find it strange he doesn't know exactly what is wrong). He says he needs a transplant. He is a long term (nearly 40 years) drug user. He has always been very manipulative and self oriented. I am having a hard time being compassionate toward him. I told him that I am sorry to hear he is ill but that is all that I can do. I am a single working mom with one child in college and another going in a year. I don't have time or energy to deal with my brother but I still feel bad. I practice all the 7 steps above but wonder if compassion can be taken too far. I can't get this out of my head right now.