Asking Eric: Mom was never around for me growing up. Must I be there for her as she ages?

A person reflects on their strained relationship with their mother, who was absent during their upbringing, and now seeks advice on whether they feel obligated to care for her in her old age. The individual expresses a desire to limit their involvement, highlighting the complex emotions tied to familial duty versus personal boundaries. This scenario underscores the universal challenges people face in balancing filial piety with self-care, offering a glimpse into the often-difficult decisions that come with aging parents.