Mom treating my dad like a boy

Dear Pastor,

I am 17 years old and I am an only child. My parents and I have a good relationship, but for the past two years, my parents have not been getting along as well as they had been before. My grandfather died leaving my mom a good sum of money. And suddenly, she wants to talk to my father as if he is a boy. My father refuses to put up with it.

My father has a medical problem. It is not something that anyone should know about, but my mother takes it and curses him. She told her friends that she is going to keep another man with my father, and my father is fretting. She has stopped sleeping with him.

Recently, my father told me that my mother told him that she can go out and purchase a home because she has money. My father asked me if I would go with her if she leaves, and I told him no. He said that is all he wants to hear. When I asked my mother why she is behaving as if she doesn't care, she told me that my father could fret as much as he wants; she has to live her own life.

I know my mother does not have another man, but I am afraid that it may come to that.

E.O.

Dear E.O.,

You mentioned the problem that your dad is experiencing. I am sure he can receive help. He should talk to his urologist. He should not fret over his problem. That would only make matters worse. Your mother should not curse your father. She is riding high now, so to speak, because your grandfather has left money for her.

The Bible says, "The fool and his money are soon parted." I am not wishing that all her money is used up and she becomes a beggar, but she should remember the days when your dad and herself struggled to make life, so to speak. You have a good father. Stay close to him, but hold a balance; don't take sides.

Pastor