My family just doesn't understand.

73% Normal
3 Comments

My family has suffered a lot of tragedies, my dad was just diagnosed with cancer, my sister is severely disabled and my other sister passed away from cancer. I'm the oldest and under extreme amounts of pressure in my life. I'm aspiring to get into med school in the next couple years, but on top of that I have to take responsibility and be an adult to care for my disabled sister. My parents do not understand the amount of stress it causes me that her life will depend on me caring for her sooner or later. I love her to death, but I'm only 19 and I feel like I'm growing up too fast. It's becoming too difficult to balance school with friends that I rarely see, with family responsibilities and a job. Sometimes I wish my parents would cut me some slack and try to imagine life from my perspective, but instead they frequently get mad and frustrated with/at me. What should I do

Is this normal?

Is It Normal?
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 3 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • alv1592
    13 years ago | pl

    pretty much agree with the last 2..you should tell your parents how you feel.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
  • Dragonlady
    13 years ago | pl

    I think you and your parents should meet in the middle. Also you will feel like an ass when most of your family is dead and you wish you had done more.Their time here will be short.....make the most of the time you have with them. Take it from someone who has lost a father to cancer.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
  • klewis7884
    13 years ago | pl

    I think you should be frank about your feelings and concerns with your parents. You are young and this is the time where you should be enjoying life with less responsibilities because you are in school, not married, no kids. Your parents need to realize your dreams and life goals. They need to acknowledge that while you love your sister it's not your responsibility to to take on the brunt of caring for her, that's their job no matter what tragedies fall their way. Offer solutions of how and when you'd like to help your sister so they can know when they can turn to you. Let them know you are barely an adult and the world is out there waiting for you. Don't let their burdens shut the door on your dreams!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0