Dear Annie: Taking advantage of Mom

Dear Annie: I am a middle child, with an elder sister and a younger brother. We are all within 10 years of one another. We are a very dysfunctional family. We come from a broken and estranged family. Our parents divorced when I was about 13 years old. My brother does not speak to my father. My siblings have both borrowed a lot of money from my mother. I do not think it is very fair. Please let me know what you would recommend I do, if anything. I’m very worried about Mom’s being taken advantage of. – Concerned Middle Child

Dear Concerned Middle Child: If you suspect that your siblings are exploiting your mom, contact Adult Protective Services. Financial elder abuse is a serious problem, affecting millions of seniors each year. And sadly, as reported by AARP, in 90 percent of cases, the perpetrator is a family member, friend, neighbor or someone else the victim knows well. For a state-by-state list of resources and more information, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse’s website (https://ncea.acl.gov). On weekdays, you can also use the Eldercare Locator by calling 800-677-1116.

Dear Annie: Years ago, Ann Landers printed a poem for parents who have lost children. She said it was one of the items that readers requested most. I clipped it and made copies, and over the years, I have given it to several people who have lost children. It is very comforting at the parents’ time of grief. I lost my copy of the poem, and I’m wondering whether you might consider printing it. – Charles S.

Dear Charles S.: The touching poem to which you’re referring is called “A Child of Mine.” It was written by Edgar A. Guest. I’m happy to print it now, and I hope it will offer some comfort to anyone who needs it.

I’ll lend you for a little time, a child of mine, He said.

For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he is dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three.

But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,

You’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true

And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may;

And for the happiness we’ve known, will ever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we planned,

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.