Oh dear, I am sorry things are so difficult for your mum and yourself.  Is there noone else in your family who can help you?  Or a close friend of your mum?  Someone who could visit your mum when you are unable to do so?    It might be helpful if you can speak to her on a daily basis and you make a specific time of day when you do this so your mum knows when to expect your call.  Also have specific days when you can visit her? Or can you take the children to stay in your mum's home some weekends?   I know it is difficult from my own experience but well we have to just do our best.  Ask anyone who can help - with your children for example to give you a break - to do so and also to do things like cooking meals for you which can be heated up and eaten - anything in fact that will take some of the load off your shoulder.  Don't be shy to ask; people can be very helpful if they know what you need.  I realise you would be unhappy if you let your mum down now so don't be shy about getting any help you need.  I am of course just throwing out suggestions as I don't know your circumstances and what is possible.  Others may have other suggestions.  Best wishes.  Annie

Hi again.  It is said that life's problems never come singly!  Yes, tell people what help you would like otherwise they just know they would happily help if they knew what would be really useful.  You are going to be worn out otherwise.  I am sure you would be happy to help out a friend or neighbour if they were in your situation; it just makes life that bit easier if everyone works as a community.    And try to fit in a bit of time for yourself to relax!    Come here and tell us how things were going if you just want to get it off your chest!  So many of us have been through similar situations.  Annie