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When my younger brother passed away earlier this year, it was quite devastating for me and my family. The one person without a doubt who took it the hardest was my 55 y/o, special needs brother who lived with him. Being the eldest, naturally I offered to take Lee, but my other brother, (yes, I had 6) who lived much closer, volunteered to take him instead. A few months later my brother is now claiming he is unable to care for Lee due to martial issues.

Taking Lee in was not even an option for me, but I would have never imagined that my husband would have a problem with it. Mind you, Lee cares pretty much for himself. He can brush his teeth, shower, help take out the trash, etc. My husband feels it’s a burden, but I disagree. I don’t ever ask his selfish ass to do a thing. I make Lee lunch before I go to work. I disperse his medication. I work around my schedule to take him for medical checkups or adult care.

I guess what I am angry about is the lack of support I am receiving from my RETIRED husband. He has often criticized me about my lack of religious beliefs as if he were the “better’ person. Am I wrong to expect him to support me?

Sorry to vent!!!

Jewelee65 6 June 5
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7 comments

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1

Wow. He sounds exactly like a "good christian"...likes throwing around the title but living none of the tenants except those he cherry picks to support his position.

I know and what’s really disappointing is that If the shoe was on the other foot I would support him.

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There are lots of details and personalities to understand. As part of a couple, I have always believed that before either of us made any big financial or other decision, it would be something we discussed and attempted to agree. Sometimes we don't agree and we agree to disagree.

Adding another person to the house certainly falls into that category. I am getting ready to retire after 43 years working. I have had no more than two weeks a year vacation in 30 years, I am literally exhausted. So I have my vision of what I would like the next couple of years to be. I do have two elderly inlaws nearby and we have discussed this extensively and we are in agreement.

You don't say if you have any choices, or someone to share the burden. Not having discussed it seems a bit unfair to me.

Having said that , if there are no other choices, I believe the best course of action would have been to discuss it with him. If he had been involved and there were no other choices, what would he have recommended?

I did discuss it and he said it’s not what he signed up for. I said ok, I understand but this is my brother so I hope you understand. No one else can take him full time. My one brother passed away, another is on his deathbed. One brother doesn’t associate with the family. My sister and youngest brother have small children. That leaves my brother, whose wife doesn’t want him and me.

@Jewelee65 yes, thats a difficult situation indeed. so what has happened, do you have your brother?

@Bigwavedave Yes, I do and things are working out just fine, thanks.

0

I'm not a fan of marriage counseling as the answer to everything... I think the added opinions of the counselor are often a bigger problem than the issues that brought the couple there. But in this case I think it would be a good way to discuss the practical life issue without (hopefully) devolving into a feelings issue (which this ultimately is). Lots of people are uncomfortable with adults that aren't "acting like adults", be it a dysfunctional kid that can't hold down a job even when they're 40, or a 40 year old who can hold down a job but needs a ton of support like your brother. It's not like your hubby is wrong to have feelings, but that should stop him from navigating this situation. Same with you.

I've worked with families like yours... and I've seen families that spoil and enable and never let their loved one grow-up, and I've seen families that just drop their loved one off at some institution, and pretend like it never happened. Hopefully there's a good in between.

My brother is mentally disabled. He probably has the capacity of a 7 year old. There is more to this story which makes it even more frustrating. My husband is retired and spends half the year in Florida while I am still working. So really, it’s six months of inconvenience he is subjected too.

Thanks for your feedback.

@SweetHarp I think focusing on the day to day is a more pressing issue than feelings, and needs to be separated out and dealt with. The feelings issue may take a really long time to sort out. It's very important, but in the meantime, there needs to be a plan. Otherwise 3 lives could get wrecked.

@Jewelee65 might your brother be able to live in an assisted living style apartment or such, and various family members can take turns checking in on him? Or does he need more care?

@Burner yes he could but I want him with me. I could never abandon him.

@Jewelee65 it sounds like your hubby just needs to pick what he wants, it doesn't sound like there's a choice for you, just him.

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I think you are amazing. My brother has an ABI and lives in his own (but shared) house with carers 24 hrs a day. Even as a nurse I would find it impossible to care for him. He can be fun and a laugh, other times he is selfish and demanding. I know I'd get fed up of him. You have my respect.

I think your honest assessment of yourself is good for both of you...both of my siblings told me they would not be able to handle my mother...their honesty allowed us as a family to decide how they could contribute in other ways, such as monetary help and emotional support. Bravo...

It’s a different situation than yours. My brother is very easy to care for. He’s never mean or demanding. He is very loving and sweet and just loves being around people. If I was in your situation, I’d probably do the same.

1

You demonstrate your love, generosity, and humanity, while your husband shows none of these things. Believing in God is not the same as having love for people. In fact too many religions teach us more about having a relationship with God than being respecting and accepting humanity. I would take in your brother and tell your husband he has a choice: Graciously accept your brother into your home, or leave.

2

I took in my elderly mother when she could no longer care for herself...I did it assuming my husband would not have it any other way. He was great with her...he worked from home most days, fixed her tea, lunch, helped her into bed, etc.

But, there was marital issues as well...first, even though I knew the answer, I should have brought him into the conversation BEFORE I moved her in...it was a courtesy that should not have been overlooked.

We were not prepared for the emotional stress of worrying about my mother even though she could take care of some basic needs...

I focused my attention a lot on my mother...her medical care, her food needs, her entertainment, her ability to see her grandkids, etc. I assumed that my husband was alright and would come along if he wanted but I should have asked or invited him to go...

I should have thanked him for doing the little things...I did not expect him to do anything, but I also did not let him know how much it meant to me...my mother always thanked him and often gave him "tips" of cash to let him know, even though he slipped the money back into her bag...

Should your husband support you? Yes...and you should support him as well...get him involved and let him vent his frustrations and concerns as well...sometimes just acknowledging that what you both are doing is enough to keep things civil to focus on the one person who needs you both: your brother.

@thinktwice a more balanced response than some of the others.

@Bigwavedave knee jerk reactions...quite common...we do like to go for the jugular a lot, it seems... not my style...I left FB because of that...I am prone to it as well...but some days, I just drink more coffee...lol

1

Your husband sounds like a lazy, selfish jerk. Where is his compassion?

Apparently, I made a poor choice selecting my partner.

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