ArcaMax

Dear Amy: My parents have taken in my 95-year-old grandfather. Money is not a problem, so he could have gone into a nursing home or into assisted living. My grandfather has six other kids, and no one else wanted him to live with them.

I feel as if I have lost my parents until my grandfather passes. I'll invite them to come to their grandchild's "grandparent day" at school, and it's, "No, we can't leave Dad alone," or, "Oh, we can't make it to the twins' birthday party, because we can't leave Dad."

I live almost two hours away, and my grandfather won't go anyplace other than the doctor or church. No other family member is available or trustworthy enough to watch him.

Amy, this could go on for years!

I was never close to him. He is difficult to get along with and could not tell you one thing about me as a child, because he (and my grandmother, who died years ago) didn't take an interest in most of their grandchildren. Fortunately, my other grandparents were total rock stars, so I was not deprived.

Every time I talk to my mother now, it's all about my grandfather. I DON'T CARE!

Short of cutting off ties with my parents, what am I supposed to do?

I expressed all my opposition to this before he moved in. I said that it was a bad idea. I was not listened to.

I do still try to visit them once a month, but it's hard. I work full time and have to do things like take care of my kids' laundry and buy groceries.

My folks used to travel to see us once or twice a month -- sometimes more often.

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