Dear Steve and Shirley, I am a 30-year-old single parent and my mother is currently residing with me. The problem is the time frame ... it has been nine years. At first I told myself that I needed to help her because she was with my step-father who was abusive. I have an older brother that doesn't want anything to do with her and he has his reasons not to. My mother is almost 60 and she finally got away from my step-father and I was there to pick up the pieces. Since then, I have been trying to help her, but now I just feel used. She doesn't help me with bills in the house and she uses my vehicle whenever she feels like it and comes back days later. She goes out at least three times a week, maybe more. I have furnished an apartment for her that she doesn't even stay in and her excuse is, "I don't have transportation." It has gotten to the point where she has washed one of her homeless boyfriend's clothing at my house. That was the last straw! I love my mother dearly and all I want is to see her do well, like she was before she got involved with my stepfather. I know that we should honor our parents, but what should I do? Signed, a caring daughter.
