I'm a "tad" concerned reading this thread. To this day, and my mom is now 86, when lucient would tell you out of six kids I was the worst. Also my oldest sister was not so highly thought of by my parents as she was man crazy, married at 18 and moved to Oregon.

My sister and I are considered the "strange ones" in the family. When we call each other and her husband answers I identify my self as the, "Black Sheep of the East, is the Black Sheep of the West available?"

I am happy to say that those of us who have had strained relationships in the past, some lasting years, have all come together holding no grudge or animosity toward each other any more.

OK! Now "THAT'S" strange!

Craig I LOVE that you fixed things with your family, but this far, my brothers and sisters are not willing to admit there is a problem, let alone try to fix it. My sister has burned thru more than $50k in aide from me over the years. Since she had children I was not willing to let them starve or freeze to death simply because mom was a nut job. I would call the oil company and pay them directly instead of giving her the money, and then find her selling it by the gallon in her back yard. Clothing was sold to the neighbors for pennies, or returned to the stores for cash. Food was half used, half sold. It took me a long time to realize that no matter how hard I tried I wasnt going to get her to see that she was hurting her children. They are grown now and both speak of some pretty horrible days growing up hungry, cold and without needed medicines because mom couldnt be bothered even tho others were standing there to help.

I pray many days that my sister wakes up and gets the help she so desperately needs. She is abusive to my elderly mom, and steals from her on a regular basis. My mom who gets about $800 a month in SS ends up with a tiny amount to get her own needs met. She is compelled by sis to "pretend to be painful" so that she can get more meds. She signs up for extra services and then gives the food, vouchers, or assistance to sis who cant qualify. My mom chooses to do without to do what she believes is a noble act. Its sad! My niece was so aggressive with my mom I had her removed from the home, and my mother clung to her as if she would stop breathing without her. Bruised and confused my mom just didnt get it.

I think what we are talking about goes beyond black sheep status or just being different and marching to the beat of your own drummer. The behaviors and antics are hurtful, shameful, and dangerous to other family members.

Aww Craig you make my heart sing.