My long time therapist told me to read a book called Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Having known my complete story, she told me that my mother showed all the symptoms of an alcoholic, even though she never drank.

I have 3 other siblings. They've all dealt with her emotional manipulation/blackmail, crying fits, bullying. My father was in the same house, but he kept silent as long as he wasn't being accosted. We grew up extremely poor.

Anyhow, I'm now in my early 40s, with a successful job, wife, and kids. I've gone low contact with my parents. Mainly, because I have to protect my family from my mother's manipulation. She will latch on to anyone within her grasp. She will use them for their resources until they finally catch on.

I recently took her to dinner for Mothers day. She's now in her early 60s. As she's run out of people to use, she's having to work full time for the first time in her life. She has a one bedroom apartment, and no one to call. She kept telling me that she was so lonely. That she always thought we would end up as a big happy family.

I hated seeing my mother so sad, and lonely. But, I know who she is. And I have to protect my family.