I feel horrible, am I ?

You ARE a mother, and what can be more important than that?..........You are doing what you have to do, so not only are getting the things that need to be done, done. YOU are being an excellent example of STRENGTH and in doing so teaching your children, particularly the 2 older ones a lot about life! Your making SACRIFICES, and teaching your children to do the same, that is BEAUTIFUL, a beautiful lesson, that hopefully they will carry with them throughout their lives. Your in a situation that dictates that you put your nose to the grind stone. Think of the fine example your setting for your children...........by teaching them about love, life, sacrifice, strength, and honorable behavior........what better gift could you possibly give?

Don't feel terrible, that's just heartbreaking to hear. God bless your little one, and all of them.

They are all getting "LOVE" for Christmas.......albeit the situation at hand didn't come about in the most positive of situations, you still have a chance to teach.

...............and I hope your little boy is well, really, I wish you and your family the very, very, best!

No, you are anything but horrible. You are doing the best you can and that is all that counts. Right now with your youngest having only a limited amount of time left on this earth, he doesn't care about getting a gift from you, just you spending quality time with him and his siblings and all of you being together is all the gift that little boy could ever want. Just cherish the time that you have together as I know from having lost both of my parents to cancer, that is the most important thing that you can give each other. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I hope all of you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hi,

It sounds like you've been under an enormous amount of stress for quite some time. Also, as much as we are often given the impression that the holiday season is supposed to be a happy time, many of us can feel so much worse during this time of the year. Given your circumstances, it wouldn't be unusual for someone to feel depressed. I'm not saying that you necessarily are depressed, but some of the feelings you describe could be symptoms of depression (for example, low self-esteem or guilt). You may want to take an on-line depression screening test. One example can be found at http://www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/depres.html is one example). If you feel that you need additional assistance, you could contact your local mental health agency, or perhaps your hospital's social work department for information on where to find counseling, a support group, or the hospice organization in your area. Finally, to speak with someone over the phone about your concerns, or for a referral, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-talk; http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

It sounds like you are an amazing mom, and your children are very lucky to have you. Please know that by taking care of yourself, you'll be better able to provide your children with what they need.

Hope this helps. I wish you the very best.

No, you aren't a bad person at all. Seeing as your daughter is 16 so must understand the situation and same for your twelve year old just he wont understand fully. As for your youngest he has had a hard life I don't think he will mind not getting a few presents I'm sure the most important thing to him now is family.

So don't worry and don't feel bad just let them know you will make it up.

If my parents were in a situation such as this I wouldn't mind at all. After all family is much more important in this season then gifts.

You are certainly NOT horrible at all. You have a child with a serious health condition and you just can't do it all by yourself. I'm so sorry that you are going through this. I can't imagine the pain you feel and have for your child's illness and not being able to get gifts. What's important is that you have each other. Buying gifts doesn't replace the time they have with each other and with you. Things will be fine for you. We will pray for Daniel and I wish you the best for the children and for yourself. I think your a wonderful person and mother.

No, sweetheart, you're not horrible. You've been given a heavy burden to carry and you are doing it with strength. It sounds like you are raising 3 very special, incredible children, we sometimes forget our duty as parents is to raise our children to be good loving people. You are doing this by your actions. You may not be able to afford presents, but you have given them all the greatest present, love, and you do that every day.

You are a wonderful person, I wish I could offer you and Daniel more than just my prayers at Christmas.

That you would even ask this shows what a deeply caring mother you are. You sound like a superb mother who is doing everything she can for her family. But remember you are not superman, you have your own needs and limitations. I am sorry to hear about your son. Just remember if he does return to God sooner than later, you have done everything you could do and your children will know that. God Bless and keep you and your children.

Do you have a support group for parents of children going through what your child is going through...that could help a bit...and Christmas Guilt is something that is produced by the inability to live up to the hype of what this season is turning into...

My best friends sister passed away this season...six months ago she was diagnosed with cancer...and when it came down to letting go...she waited for her son to come home from Iraq...and she knew him...and her grandchildren...and then two days later she passed...it made me understand more what family is and why one does not close them out...

I want to thank you for this Question...because it makes me believe in mothers and children and their bonds of love, again...

I'm sure they understand the situation and they know it isn't your fault. And feeling horrible won't make Christmas any easier for them. Make it a special family day where you play games with them on the computer or something. As long as you spend quality time with them, that's all that matters.

Maybe you can also tell your story to young teens who seem to be so desperate to get pregnant.

Good luck.

No. It sounds to me like you are a wonderful and loving mother. This is the best gift. Material possessions mean nothing if you don't have love. Your children will understand and be greatful for what you give them. I will pray for your family. Merry Christmas!