Hang in there! I know it's easy for me to say, but I too know what it feels like to have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

You have just been stressed to the breaking point! If any of us had been through what you had been through, it would tear us up as well!

You love and respect your wife and expect your son to do the same - that is not irrational. That is not too much to ask. My hubby gets mad at my son when he's a real jerk to me as well. I don't know what it is either, but I get defensive when he goes after my son - even if he's totally wrong. Call it "mother love" or just being silly, but that's the way I am too. Maybe if you just let him be a jerk your wife will see the light and will get off your case and on your son's..........

I think it is wonderful that you spend your life taking care of others. It takes a truly strong person to do that. You have to realize though that some people will never change and do not want to change. There is nothing you can do for them. They have to do it for themselves. I'd try and involve myself with the people that really want and appreciate all the help/time/effort and energy that you put towards them and to heck with the rest!

Hang in there!

You need to worry more about yourself and less about others - easier said than done I know!

Take care!
Erin Hermes