Laura, as I said it's difficult to give advice without knowing your sister's mindset and habits. But I've suffered from depression since my teens and have considered suicide several times a year since then. I've had to develop a number of coping mechanisms and I have some experience with depressed thought processes. I'm happy to offer whatever advice I'm capable of. Just email me if you need it.

Laura, I was always lucky to get support from my family when I bottomed out. It's horrible to watch, I'm sure, and the feeling of helplessness can't be fun. I think offering assurances and total support are fine--even if she doesn't think it will help. It does sound like she's taking steps and it's a matter of getting meds and life stuff hammered out. Good luck, no matter what. I hope her symptoms are under control soon and that she understands what a great, supportive sister you are.

Hmm. Maybe he just thinks you'd want to be with your parents for the day. You already have a T-Day to go to, after all. As to staying there without being there for The Day, Older Bro has the holy grail, grandchildren, and providing access to them excuses many many things for a lot of parents IME.

In my family, we have the OPPOSITE problem--my mom wishes my brother would stay with her and not at a hotel even when he is in town on a business trip.

Sidra, echoing Scrappy. And your oldest brother is a tool; it's frustrating that your parents don't see it, but parents are notorious for blind spots regarding their kids.

And I have the feeling all those "friends" and extended social circle might not be people who are the nicest people.

You know, like US.

Chocolate marscapone cake in the oven. I think that I will make the pie crust tonight, so that I don't have to wait for it to rest tomorrow.

I wish that my mother would call to tell me what time dinner is tomorrow. I need to plan.

Can I put chuck steaks in a slow oven for a couple of hours, slathered in barbecue sauce? or would that just be wrong?

I know part of it is me - if I didn't get bugged so much by things.

Spidra, honey, I really don't think you're being oversensitive. I think they're being assholes.

Spidra, honey, I really don't think you're being oversensitive. I think they're being assholes.

I agree. Yet another reason we need Buffista Island. I strongly suspect that the crappiest thing about holidays there, would be cooking accidents. Which, if covered by enough booze, would be great sources of amusement, and therefore non-crappy. We would all have each other. There would be laughter (the good kind), music, genuine merriment, much actual giving of thanks.

Thanks, guys. *hug*

There would also be plenty of quiet spots for people to get out of crowds - gardens, book-lined nooks, comfy sofas with napping pets. And no one would ever be guilted for making use of one.