Hi. You're absolutely right, not everyone has a supportive family. You see, I'm all alone. No family. But I do have my now 4 dogs. Without them I would have been...
You have the group here that know what you're going through and have been very helpful to me and my plight which to me is neverending. Use them! Talk to them! Talk to your sister. I'm sure she understands what you're going through since she was there with you. What about friends? Do you have the understanding supportive type? Don't overlook your dog either. They are fantastic listeners and know you're going through a rough patch.
Taking the dogs out to the dog park has been helpful - mentally. I enjoy watching them running around and it gives me a chance to clear my head and refocus.
I have a stressful job as well. At least one that requires me to write creatively, sometimes on short notice, and come up with wonderous solutions when all I want to do is escape. Grab the dogs and drive -- anywhere the car wants to go. Maybe take a weekend off and just go (with the dog of course). Get off the main highways and check out the countryside. Explore!
As for my situation, I have no intention whatsoever of her dying at home. That's all I need!I'm sort of between a rock and hard place. At her age, the change will definitely kill her. I don't need anymore guilt than I already have. Staying with me, the situation will probably kill me. But then, at least I'm insured. :-)
I don't know if you dad lives close by but maybe pay him a visit. His partner, your mother passed. I'm sure he's wondering what to do with himself as well. Maybe, together, you can each heal yourselves with the good memories.
Please remember to visit this site often and tell the group what you're feeling. Having that release can be very satisfying. Just let it out. They don't judge. Also read some of the other posts. Can't remember what mine is called, think it's something like 'stressed and distressed'.
Take care.
Barb