Dear Katherine,

I know how much pain you are feeling.  I lost my mom when I was ten, and my dad raised me and my sister alone.  He was very angry- especially towards me.  I knew he didn’t like me.  I think I reminded him of my mom (who he didn’t like).  To make a long story short, I moved to the area to be near him and took a job.  When he was sick, I was there.  when he was diagnosed with cancer, I moved back into his house.  He yelled at me everyday.  I thought that one day he would show that he loved me and was proud of me.  That day never came.  He was so nice to others when they visited and when he was in the hospital.  My heart was broken when he died.  It still hurts.  But I’ve learned to forgive him.  He was sick and didn’t feel well.  When he was young, he was overwhelmed with being a single parent and working too much.  I really don’t know if he ever like me, but I have   told myself to move on.  It is still a struggle.  Don’t blame yourself.  You did your best to be a good daughter , and that is what is important.  You have that to be proud of, and you should be proud.  You did the right thing.

Best wishes,

Rachel

Dear Comforteaglesteve,

You have done well providing and caring for your family.  You should be proud of yourself.  You have already found that money doesn’t buy happiness, and you have taught this to your children.  Don’t be hard on yourself for wanting more.  As V.J said, this is the nature of being human and we have to be careful of our attachments.  I think if you are going to put your energy and love into something, put it into your kids.  My dad made a lot of money, but he wasn’t home much and he didn’t give me the love I needed.  He left me a lot of money, but I still would have rather had him and his love.  It is just something to think about.  It sounds like you are doing o.k, so enjoy your days with your family.

Rachel