Today's 98.3 TRY Social Dilemma came from James and it's about helping out his mom. Here's his email: Hi Jaime. I know you take care of your mom, so I thought I could ask this question about taking care of my mom. My 78-year-old mother lives on a fixed income, so I help her out with some extra money and by paying her mortgage, which is fine since I’m an only child and I can afford it. The last few weeks she's needed a bit of extra cash, so I gave it to her, but asked why she'd been short. She then tells me that she's been giving money to her 90-something neighbor so she can buy groceries. While I appreciate that she's helping a friend, I know the neighbor has children and wonder why they can't help. Should I intervene in this situation to protect my mother? Should I reach out to the neighbor's children? What would you do? Thanks so much ~ James. This is tough. James' mom's instincts are wonderful, to help a neighbor in need. We all should do that. But because she's on a fixed income, I think it would be wise for James to talk with the neighbor to find out the situation. We never know what's going on inside a family and perhaps the neighbors kids don't talk with her anymore. Sadly we've all seen it happen. So I think James should speak with the neighbor and then if she continues to need help, he can be the one to help out or to get her signed up for some kind of public assistance. That's my take anyway. What do you think? Let's help James out and let me know on the TRY Facebook page.
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