My estranged brother just contacted me to tell me he is probably dying of cancer of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver (his words - I find it strange he doesn't know exactly what is wrong). He says he needs a transplant. He is a long term (nearly 40 years) drug user. He has always been very manipulative and self oriented. I am having a hard time being compassionate toward him. I told him that I am sorry to hear he is ill but that is all that I can do. I am a single working mom with one child in college and another going in a year. I don't have time or energy to deal with my brother but I still feel bad. I practice all the 7 steps above but wonder if compassion can be taken too far. I can't get this out of my head right now.
ORIGINAL COMMENT
My estranged brother just contacted me to tell me he is probably dying of cancer of the liver or cirrhosis of the liver (his words - I find it strange he doesn't know exactly what is wrong). He says he needs a transplant. He is a long term (nearly 40 years) drug user. He has always been very manipulative and self oriented. I am having a hard time being compassionate toward him. I told him that I am sorry to hear he is ill but that is all that I can do. I am a single working mom with one child in college and another going in a year. I don't have time or energy to deal with my brother but I still feel bad. I practice all the 7 steps above but wonder if compassion can be taken too far. I can't get this out of my head right now.