I am so sorry to hear this.

Such a great thread! Thanks to those who posted links to Dacyczyn updates! It was great to hear their kids turned out happy and with similar values.

I second Mr Money Moustache. I would love to know how things turned out for the Dacyczyn family and if their adult kids embrace a similar path or not.

I would just do what your DD wants you to do. How awkward.

Hugs to you all.

I'm in Western Washington and this is typical of my neighborhood Safeway. ?

For petite work clothes I have had great luck at J Jill (they have petite sizes that are roomy) and also Banana Republic.

We are in a similar situation. We are putting in laminate since it is very possible that buyers will change the flooring anyway. It might as well be inexpensive for us.

Hugs to you, Jenny. Your situation sounds so sad. I suspect that you may have already heard advice to get family counseling, but are you in counseling just for you? I think it is SO helpful in this kind of situation because of the terrible truth that in the end, the only person you can control is you, and an impartial third party can help you decide what you want to do to change the dynamics of your relationships. You can't control how your DD and DS treat each other. Also, hopefully a counselor can help you come to accept the stage of life you are in. (My first child is in college now, so this issue is breathing down my neck too ?) I am so sorry you are going through this.

All the stores will be full of this stuff in the next few weeks. Fear not.

Today we were at a graduation party held by a family we have known well for 16 years. Their grandma from out of town was there too. Although she lives several states away, we have seen her every year or two and three years ago she went camping with us for 3 days. My 19 year old son had no idea who she was.

(((Happi Duck))) I am so sorry.

I agree with the others. Take some photos, then donate, give, or sell the items. There is no need to keep items form relatives that you don't need and don't bring back happy memories. It's just clutter.

My deeply cynical side wonders how long this group would survive under best-case scenario. It is an EXCELLENT idea, but it rotates through people's houses and the members are all expected to pitch in. There is SO much room for conflict if people have their turn getting their house cleaned and then don't show up for others' turns, kids getting into trouble at other people's houses, people bringing sick kids, etc. If you launch this group in some form, please keep us updated. ? ?

Go Jenny! Taking a risk like that is what life is all about. I hope you get a great outcome!

I agree with the mild PTSD. I have a similar reaction to trauma - I deal with the problem like a machine in the moment, and then am haunted by it for weeks/months/years later depending on the issue. If you have ANY counseling benefits - now would be the time to use them. Self care - physical and mental - must come first. What will everyone do if your MS flares? You matter too. Your sleep will improve if you can treat the PTSD. There are problems that can be solved with money. Can you hire a cleaning service? Have groceries delivered? Can your neighbor afford that? Are there resources available to help with your neighbor? Some kind of social service like Options For Seniors that connects the elderly to the services they need to stay in their home? As you know, there's only so much that you'll be able to do if he declines. Can he take an Uber to appointments? Hugs to you.

I vote atypical.

Definitely thinking of you and hoping it turns out to be minor.

How terrible for all of you. I hope she recovers quickly.

Can you clarify the nature of your jobs? I think you said upthread that your income varies seasonally and month to month. Would it be possible to change 1 or 2 jobs to create a predictable monthly income flow for the near future?

You have my total sympathy

I agree. I read this thread early on but did not respond because the only response that springs to mind is, "F*ck right off." (which is not helpful to the OP. Sorry OP!) I have protected my DD from my MIL's weight obsession (she is long-distance so it is easier) but my flying monkeys WILL appear if acquaintances think they have the right to fat-shame or "help" any of my kids. They need to BACK RIGHT OFF.

I am there with my 16yo DD. Sometimes she just has to feel the consequences of her decisions(or lack thereof) herself. If she is rude to me when she herself came and asked for advice, I address that directly. < if we had eye-rolling emoticons I would have one here. LOL> It's hard to watch them make poor decisions but unless her safety is at risk, I offer my advice and try to let it go. Hugs to you. If only we were as smart as our teenagers......

Halloween is very American.

Great advice here!