I Refused to Invite My Parents to My Graduation—They Didn’t Pay a Dime for My Education

Do not feel sorry. Why did they not say anything when they knew you were about to graduate? Give them pictures of you walking and receiving your diploma. Did they even give you a graduation gift? Seems strange they did not even say anything like how proud they were of you, how they were looking forward to your graduation. I think they did not even think of you until other people mentioned it afterwards. Watch out you may get presented with a medical bill from them; asking you for help paying for it. You might accompany your mother to her medical appointments to see exactly watch is going on. Are you an only child?

You were definitely in the wrong here. Did your parents not deserve to use there hard earned money on a trip once a year? Bc they are parents are they not allowed to see the world. Should they be servants to you for the whole of there lives? They raised you and supported the path you chose emotionally. When exactly in there adult lives were they supposed to have a life, travel, and use there hard earned money on themselves if not while you were a bit older and no longer completely reliant on them. Your parents are allowed to enjoy life and raise you at the same time. You'll definitely understand when you get older that if they didn't do things for themselves back then than the opportunity would have NVR came. They would die NVR have been anywhere or NVR having done anything for themselves.

Typical generation, you make your graduation about money, not inviting them because they didn't pay for it. Saying you had to work while they went on vacation on there dime. So...its your money because you worked for it, but its not your parents money to do as they wish? Entitlement is a horrible way to spend life. Also the 18 years they fed, clothed. And housed you that gave you the ability to get those part time low paying jobs, and allowed you to save it for school, that dosnt cross your mind? Tyipical youth, always about you

She guilt tripping you it sad that she sick but she didn't pay for you to go-to college so no she has no right to watch you walk and tell her that she went on vacations instead of helping you .

Hi, you were 100% right in what you did. Your parents never cared about you, like most people they had children because that is what we do.
Your mom dropped a bomb on you to make it all about her, what she has been doing your whole life.

Move on because your parents were never there for you.

Live life and never regret your decisions. It sound like you have been on your own anyways.

Also make sure your mom is really sick. Could just be a way for you to let them back in your life.

People are born to their family.They don't get to choose them and a lot of parents are horrible on how they raise their children.

Dude if parents aren't obligated to support their kids then kids aren't obligated to reciprocate. If they can afford to go on trips then they could have paid at least a little to show their support. My parents did that and their not rolling in money. I'm guessing they didn't even invite you to those trips. Parents need to show support however they can for the next generation of the world. Their actions more often than not are the leading force for good or I'll in this world.

Yes it was greatly selfish. Parenting doesn't come with an instruction manual. Parents are peope too not just the character they play in their children's lives. So what they couldn't pay for your education what about all the care and sacrifice they provided up to that point? Supporting you in other ways, children often dont understand the parental sacrifice until they have their own children, then it clicks. You clearly stated they couldn't afford to pay for your education. Taking a vacation once a year vs paying for your education isnt a fair comparison. Its obvious your parents taught you some valuable lessons, such as working hard. accomplishing goals, being ambitious, etc those life skills are invaluable. Life is short life is hard and family is everything. Youth today have such an entitled perspective of their parents role. Parents are people to, most doing the best the can, while struggling with their own issues and demands of this life. Give your parents some grace.

You are pretty selfish bi__h.. let me guess, you invited others to your graduation that didn't pay for your education. Parents are under no obligation to pay for school. This sense of entitlement is ridiculous these days. You have a lot to learn in life. You are not all that

News flash, parents are under no obligation to pay for a child's education.
Totally TA.
I'm assuming they were there for you in other ways otherwise it would have been clarified in the post.
This is a greedy, selfish, spiteful, entitled child throwing a tantrum because "Mommy and Daddy didn't give me money! "
My parents didn't pay for my education either. Why should they give up their life for me?
My Mom is still my best friend.

No. When parents aren't there for you, they cannot possibly expect you to be there for them. Kids need parental love and support. Without it, you became self-sufficient. They're going to have to deal with that.

You made the occasion all about you. Instead of family because of them you are a successful human being just on the front picture BECAUSE NOT ONE IS A SUCCESSFUL HUMAN BEING WITHOUT FAMILY. SO YOU NEED TO REPAY YOUR PARENTS FOR MAKING YOU A DRIVEN HUMAN BEING THAT'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY

So what! So you had to work a summer job to save your money to go to school.Like most of the kids in the country do that, aren't entitled. And because you had to work for that. And because your parents took one vacation a year, you didn't invite them to your graduation.? Your mom is right,You are ungrateful . Your parents worked to give you a home food. But you feel because they took a vacation after working every year that that money should have instead gone to you. So a guy who gave you your first job.You invited him and his wife to your graduation? I'm sorry.Did I miss where he paid for your college or did he just give you a first job. Sure, that's having your back.But you also served a purpose for his business. I agree with the others.You probably better go into corporate law.Because you're a pretty selfish person, and I can't even find any redemption for you in anything.You stated

Just an asshole she is your mother big shot lawyerboy

Yes you were to harsh. Speaking as a parent, I had no idea the sacrafices my parents made for me and my siblings until I became a parent myself. It our job to not let you know. The vacations they went on once a year, they earned that. However, this does not make you a bad person but it will definitely make you feel bad.

You sound like an ungrateful brat. Your parents took care of your needs for 18 years! You are not the first to have to pay for college on your own. Be proud of the fact that your education was your first adult purchase. You sound really entitled. God bless your parents.

Sorry you are ungrateful. Your parents didn't owe you money for college. So what if they did some things for themselves during their life with their money. I'm betting you will do the same. You will always regret you final selfishness

I think you made this about money and it really shows your character. Sorry but that is my opinion. You picked a perfect profession 🙄

Wow you are completely ungrateful and extremely entitled. It's not your parents obligation to pay for any university education and good for them for spending their hard earned money to enjoy their life and create memories. I hope you grow up and show your parents the respect they deserve for raising you to take care of yourself instead being their dependent your entire life.

You were harsh without question. Life isn’t a movie in which you are the star.

Yes you are ungreatful. Alot of people pay for their own education , you aren't special and you aren't a super hero for doing that as the ultimate benefit is that you gain a successful career. Your parents don't reap those rewards .. you do. She didn't pay for school but she paid food , shelter, gas and insurance to drive you around, clothes and a whole slew of other things that is essential for success . If she asked you to pay rent while a teenager that would be a different story. Also, it's not like she's asking you for money or saying you should owe her ... she just literally wanted to sit in the crowd and clap for you . You have one mother in life. And she is irreplaceable even if she wasn't perfect in your eyes.

Honestly, my parent didn't pay for my college either. But he spent his entire life caring for and loving me. He "spent" all the money he had to when I was growing up. I don't want to lash out but this does sound a little entitled. Parents are there for guidance and assistance but most of all love. saying things like they should have been spending money on me instead of taking time for themselves is really selfish. They took care of you. now unless you were beaten of not fed or they abused you emotionally for your entire life then I would step back and look at it from their point of view. at what point to they get to do the things that they want to as a couple or as people in general. once you buy a house will they have to pay for that. Will u make them watch your children as payment. when does their life start. I dont think your mother should have reacted by telling u about her condition. that is a little blackmail. but I also see how she loves you so she wants to see you graduate and maybe it was the only thing she could think of to change your mind?

Then mom throws out the illness card now, after all is said and done thats the way to guilt trip your daughter. You made a judgment call stick with it and don't look back.

Jerk.

Sorry about your mom’s diagnosis but, I think she’s manipulative . Why would she show you the test results just when she was not invited. Love covers multiple errors and as a mom, she should have tried to overlook the error and rather try to use her “last chance” to try and understand how it made you feel that they never supported your studies. Instead she used this to corner you into guilt. That’s extremely unfair. The diagnosis is a different conversation and it should have been addressed as such and not as a defensive mechanism. I would not feel guilty for having not invited them.

Are you a bad person? No. Were you right to exclude them? No. Life can be challenging financially, especially with children. I am not sure what kind of jobs your parents had, but one vacation a year most likely would not pay for a 4 year college education. I had good parents. They kept me safe, clothes, fed, I had toys and clothes and our home was kept clean. I worked a job throughout school. College is expensive. My parents were not obligated to cover that cost. Basic needs, love and safety are what your parents should have given you. Anything else is extra. It's kinda odd that you felt working wasn't part of being a "normal teenager". If they were good to you, let it go. Yes it can suck that you work while some of your friends parents could cover it all, but it doesn't make your parents bad parents.

Communication, Is the Key . Many example you will experience,where communication makes all the difference. Please enjoy the time you have with your Mother. Good luck and God bless.

I honestly believe that you omitting them from your graduation was a bit dramatic. Regardless if they helped you with college or not, they should not have been “punished”. So sad that you felt that was the only way to “pay them back” .

This was probably a way to have you take school more seriously and it sounds like it worked, except for your own sour attitude. Best of luck, I side with your parents. Sounds like they raised a responsible kid.

As a parent. No, this doesn’t make you harsh or bad. Parents often feel that they are entitled to moments, or things that their children do. They often want to be praised for their children’s successes and not be responsible for their children’s poorer actions or behaviors.

You went with your gut and this was your choice. Your parents had choice as well and they were able to exercise this… they did and so did you.

Your choice was a decision which was impacted by theirs and this is okay. It looks like no one received the desired outcome and while this sucks (yes I believe this to be the proper and technical term here) it is, what it is and it cannot be anything else.

In my opinion there are two items to note:

Your mother didn’t take accountability fof your feelings. She didn’t have to agree with you and there are ways to communicate validation without agreeing. She deflected and then managed to make you feel guilty about a medical condition that you didn’t cause. That’s not your burden. Please do not carry that. It’s an abusive behavior.

Second, you didn’t ask to be here. As a parent they “owed” you to be present, take care of your needs and provide for your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. It IS their job. Plain and simple. They did not owe you a college education as this, again, was a choice for you. They are also not entitled to any part of that education at any time. Their participation in your education would not have guaranteed their invitation to the event. It just doesn’t.

We parents often have “dreams, goals and expectations” of our adult children but have no right to. Our rights end when our children are able to take care of themselves. We are also not obligated to support them after they are raised and…. Well… that’s okay. You are all adults and while you may be their child, you are not a child and this looks different. Adulting sucks sometimes.

I’m sorry for your mom’s diagnosis BUT I’m very excited for you and your next chapter of life. Enjoy this moment. You earned it. Happiness and sorrow/grief can exist at the same time so give yourself permission to feel both.

You are the typical entitled person. No one owes you anything. They gave you life, a roof, food, doctors visits, toys and clothes, you probably never lacked shoes, or had to go to sleep under a bridge hungry with cold and fear.

I never had parents, grew up lonely, cold, hungry, scared...and your selfish attitude is unbelievable.

I don't know you, so I can really say if you are good or bad. You do sound bitter , entitled and ungrateful. Unless your parents are wealthy, education is very expensive plus all the house bills it doesn't give you much for the rest. If you live at home with your parents , didn't put a penny tors the bills then they were supporting you the best they could. To that you said f...you.

Yes, it does make you a bad person. You must have forgot all of the things they did do for you, like raise you, feed you and put a roof over your head. Shame on you…

There are details left out of this story. Where did this woman live while she was attending college? If she lived at home with her parents and by law, they had to keep her on medical insurance until she's 26, that's a big part of supporting her during those years. Did she drive a car provided by them?

No matter what they are still your parents. Let this be a lesson to you, what you see, may not be what you see. You never know what another person is going through, so always be kind and never let anger fuel your decisions.

Thats pretty petty and entitled in my opinion. There is no rule or law that parents have to pay for your college. If your parents work hard for their money and take vacation once a year they are allowed to do that. If anything you working as hard as you did to accomplish your goal is an amazing feat. To punish your parents over it seems overly harsh. I lost my mom and I would give anything to have her around to see something like that for me.

I don't think she was harsh. If she's not entitled to any help, thrn they're not entitled to her, either.

No, you are not a bad person as a whole, but you are selfish. Where does it say that our parents MUST support us financially in college. Reading your complaint made me sick. How entitled you must feel?

I think its awesome that you developed a fantastic work ethic and perseverance. No you know what you are truly capable of. You should thank your parents for enabling that in you. If they would have funded your education you would not be the young woman you are today.

My mom and step dad didn't have much and I knew they would never be able to pay for my school, so I, like you applied myself, got scholarships, held jobs and put myself through college, owing $3k on a $120k degree. I joined the military and have served 19 years in an incredibly rewarding career, received another $30k in masters education funded by the Army.

I did that myself, yet I still invited my mom and step dad to every milestone even though they didn't pay a dime for my education either. And yes, they did take occasional vacations as well. It was their $$, they earned it, they can spend it how they pleased. There is no contract parents sign at birth vowing to pay for their children's offspring.

Instead of begrudging them because you had to work as a teen and young adult instead of partying you should be thanking them for giving you the work ethic that you have and you should want them to be present for your milestones.

I dont understand why children feel entitled to their parents money for college. They have worked hard enough to raise you, clothes, food, medical, and all the other things that come from raising a child. Taking yearly vacations is a must for their hard work and sanity. Our son put himself through college and never once complained about working since he was 15 and being able to do so. He never once complained that we weren't footing the bill. We did take over his car payment, insurance, and some other expenses when he was in school, but he also worked the whole time too. I am so disappointed in young people today that believe parents should foot the bill for everything.

Your parents don't owe you money for your postsecondary. They're allowed to enjoy their life and not slave for you to go to school. I had to pay for all my own schooling too, it's not uncommon and not justification to shut your parents out if that's your only reason for it.

Congratulations on getting your law degree! That is a huge step to accomplish! Obviously both you & your parents are not communicating well. You say that your parents gave a generalized answer "Sorry we did what we could". You never said what your question was, did you specifically ask for help such as with buying books, tuition for 1 semester, fees, etc or did you just ask for a general amount of $? Do both your parents work? What types of jobs do they have? Are they high-stress, mentally taxing? Did you ever consider that the vacations your parents take may be helping them unwind mentally, emotionally.
Maybe these vacations are not just trivial but much needed mental health restores for your parents. My husband's job is high stress, adrenaline inducing. Obviously for your mom to let you know bout her illness after you didn't invite her shows more that she's trying to guilt trip, emotional blackmail you more than anything. The graduation is over. You didn't know before that your mom was sick. So personally I wouldn't feel guilty. What's done is done. What you can do now is work on having better communication with your parents. If your still in the same city, you can set up "Family Metting" once a week. Write down beforehand what you want to talk bout, what you feel needs to be discussed i.e. your mom's health status.
Just because your an adult now doesn't mean you don't need your parents. My sons r 32 & 26 & we still do family meetings. Even with the oldest living 1 hr away. We'll do it by FaceTime too. We set up time to spend together too. Did your school record & upload the graduation to it's website or YouTube channel? My son's did. They live streamed
I was able to send a link to extended family so they could watch it. Maybe your parents can watch that if it's available.

No it doesn't make you a bad person. Two weeks ago is different than five years ago. And I'm sure some help would be better than no help. Who knows you could have sent them on plenty of vacations with your law degree.

No. Your mother just laid a guilt trip on you. Get on with your life and stop letting family guilt you into controlling you.

You are the asshole. Vacations are what they needed to get away from your selfish ass. Not everyone has parents to pay for school. Some of have to take out loans and work 3 jobs to pay it off.

Yes, you should have invited your parents to your graduation. After all, they did support you up until 18 or 20 years old. You should be grateful to everyone who has supported you at ANY time in your life, bc they do it out of a generous heart, with what they have.

I got my first job at 16 years old, and my dad had me pay rent until I was out of the house. I saved my money, & learned to live within my means. They helped me with my first car and cosigned. I made the payments. They helped me with completing a two year degree. After that I was on my own, married & moved out. It was important for them to see me at my graduation ceremony, and know they shared a part of my success.
You’re not entitled to anything from anyone. Be grateful and thankful each day for what you have. Parents shouldn’t have to work & sacrifice until the day they die, due to supporting their children with college expenses, living expenses, food, gas, groceries, & the list goes on. I encouraged my kids to be independent from day one. Mom and dad should be able to take a vacation when they want. Be glad your parents took this approach, as you have to work hard for what you’ve accomplished & this will help you appreciate it, then if someone had handed it to you. I wish you the best for your success. Were you an only child? I was one of six. I’ve since gotten a BSN & MSN with a successful career as an NP. I’ve eaten rice-beans, PB, fruit/veges & saved & paid off $KKK student loans. College is ridiculously expensive.

Since your mother is sick with a serious illness, I would spend time with your mom and dad as much as you are able. You can’t redeem this time after she dies, or they die. Ask God to help you, forgive them and with forgiveness, you can move on with your life and not have bitterness in your heart. This will give you freedom to enjoy your life and not feel guilt, wishing you could turn back the clock. I recommend taking her flowers or a favorite food to try to make amends. Let your visits be with a humble heart, and forgiveness in your heart, so you don’t take offense.

If you have it on video , why not do a reenactment of that day with your parents, make a special dinner for them watch the video. They did something right, she gave birth to a beautiful bright young lady. Never too late to share new memories together with your Mom and Dad ❤️

People go on vacation you know. Their vacations are none of your business. They gave you a roof over your head. They supported your independence. They lived up to their responsibilities as parents. I assume they treated you well aside from not funding your education. Shove them aside. Treat them with contempt. Good for you.

Wow, the entitlement in the OP is deep and all the way to the core. Your parents worked and sacrificed to raise you. They finally reached the point of being able to retire and enjoy life a little bit and you begrudge them that because ***gasp*** you had to pay for your own college degrees? And let's talk about that degree. It's not just any old degree, it's a LAW degree, which costs roughly $200,000. So what if you had to work summers? So what? I had to work year round AND go to high school at rhe same time. Did it mean spending less time with my friends? Yes. Yes, it did. Did it mean my family got to have electricity for another month? Also yes, because my siblings and I helped and were glad to do it. And you know how I and three of my four siblings paid for college? The GI Bill. No one gave us a free ride thru life. We earned everything we had and STILL thanked our parents for the opportunities they gave us. They took us on vacation every year and by the time I graduated high school I'd been to 48 states. They got me a car, but I paid the insurance and gas. And it wasn't mich of a car, a 15 year old Dodge Dart, but I loved that car and I loved my parents for helping to make it happen. When I graduated basic training, there they were, so proud I thought their chests would burst. Sadly, they had both died by the time I was able to graduate college and looking out in the crowd and NOT seeing them was a gut punch. Speaking as a mom, I totally understand your parents not telling you about her illness. As much as you think it wouldn't have affected your studies, it definitely would have. When my mom found out she had lung cancer she didn't tell me and asked my siblings to keep it from me until after I took the SATs the following week. Had I known beforehand, I never would have been able to focus on the test.
You now have a choice to make. Knowing your time with your mother is short, do you spend that time resenting her for what she didn't do, or do you spend it loving her and appreciating what she DID do? Only you can decide how to move forward.

What an arrogant ass! Parents are not required to pay for their children’s education. What she did to her parents was awful! “Didn’t earn the right to share in my success”? How is that for entitled? Your parents don’t owe you a dime once you become 18. So what, they took vacations with THEIR money. Not your money. No one promised you anything. Your parents spent 18 years raising you and not only did you expect them pay for your schooling, you also deeply hurt them. You actually had to WORK to earn something, which is something you should be doing. Then you punish them? Again, they’re not required to pay for your education. This is an example of horribly self-centered people have become. Then your mom is sick and you treat her that way? You may not have known, but that still no excuse.

You have every right to be upset. She has no right to say anything bc she never told you that she was sick and that does not make up for the years they were not there for you. If she was sick how did she go on all of the vacations when you were young. Stand your ground. Congratulations on Graduating from Law School. I wish I would have continued my legal education.

We all make choices. Your parents chose their vacations over helping you with school and you chose to invite people that meant most to you for graduation.
I wouldn't beat yourself up over it, as you can't change it now.
I would tell mom, I am sorry about your diagnosis and if you are able to assist her during this difficult time you will, but you are beginning a new career, so you may not have much time off. But you will make an effort. I wouldn't feel guilty.

My dear we can't go back in time. In my opinion again it's my opinion. You alone knew what you experience and went through with your parents. Having an illness no matter how severe does not change your relationship. You always follow your conscious. What is important is your future. Your parents will support you or they will not.

Lia, you do you. We were not in your shoes, and were not there for those moments you were battling things alone. People can say what they want, like they know you so much.

Personally, my parents sounded similar like yours. They made it very clear that they will not fund me for my tertiary education (anything beyond middle school). I managed to get a bonded sponsorship, which I served back. And 10 years later, I am taking my degree. In the midst of it all, they were busy basking on the limelight of my success, but quick to put me down when I was at my lowest. I do not plan to have them in my graduation either.

Your study was not done overnight. I am pretty sure at some point, you were not hoping for full sponsorship from your parents, but a bit of support does help. But for the many years, you had to hustle on your own. Again, I am assuming it was not easy for you to decide what you did. I had my yoyo moments too. So your parents chose what they did, that made you choose you what you did.

If you want to repair, try to have the conversation. Perhaps our parents are so absorbed with themselves, that they overlook the hurt they caused us. Similarly to us, so absorbed on the hurt and we may overlook whatever. What is done, is done. For reasons you felt so strong about. They need to understand that too. Do not be too hard on yourself. Just work on your tomorrows. If they are insistent, you know you have tried. Your conscience will be clear.

That aside, congratulations! ♡

I don't know maybe you should have looked alittle harder at your parents situation But you did what you needed to do either way you got your degree and that is what matters to both you and your parents in the end

Sorry Lia, co graduations to you but I don't agree with how you treated your parents. You just got your first lesson of life, noting comes easy so here on you will appreciate all you worked for. Your parents worked very hard and it seems that one vacation they were able to take they really needed.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm on Lia's side here. Any parent knows that when they give birth to a child, they are supposed to take care of them, education included. Yes, we know that not all parents can afford higher education due to circumstances but that fact that her parents didn't try is no excuse. If they could go on vacations, they could also try and help her. But she handled every on her own so how is Lia to blame for inviting Mr. Morris who actually cared?
And the fact that your mum was diagnosed with an illness two weeks before your graduated and they pretend like they actually cared for your success? What happened to the years when they could've actually cared? I've seen parents who work minimum wage jobs, pay for their kid's tution and go on vacation. It seems like you are being gaslighted and guilt tripped here.
Stay strong girl and congratulations on making it. You are brave and don't let anyone make you think less.

Congratulations on your graduation and law degree. So her concern was all about her. Take her concerns and stride. This seems to be more about her situation than yours. Perhaps that's all she can do. Sometimes we have to live with our parents shortcomings but that doesn't mean we have to like them. Good luck on your future!

Isn't AI just great for writing totally fictitious garbage content!!!

No human would think of writing something this completely formulaic and trite, because it would be embarrassing to put your name to. But AI churns it out like a champ.

Congratulations! This is a huge milestone in your life. It's unfortunate that your parents were unsupportive. I can definitely relate to this. I graduated boot camp and became a Marine. We're my parents present? No. Neither were they present at my wedding. Believe me, I feel your pain explicitly.

Lia, first congratulations on your law school graduation! It is a worthy achievement. Next, I want you to know this one fact: all we can do in life is the best we can with what we know at the time. That goes for children and also for parents. Your mother chose not to share her diagnosis with you so you wouldn't be distracted from your studies. That was her choice. You could hardly be responsible for making a decision to invite people whom you felt were always supportive over people whom you saw as putting themselves first. Each of us actually has at least two families. There is our family of origin. This is the one we are born into. Then there is our family of choice. That one for you includes Mr. Morris. You did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time.

Mr Morris is a lovely man who gave you a job and made sure you got shifts but remember, you worked for that and they knew you were a good worker. Did you really want your parents to not go on any vacations in order to pay for all those years of law school? Were they wealthy or did they receive a middle class income? Not all parents can help their children in that way. As an older person the thought of your parents going years without vacations to pay for Law school doesn't sit well for me. You worked hard and are still young enough to have years ahead to travel. It sounds like your mother may not. Be glad they had some good times together. Maybe you had friends whose parents had more than enough money to make their educational journey easier. It doesn't mean that everyone can or should. I like the ideas on this page that have been given to you. Choose the ones with which you feel most comfortable.

Maybe you don't believe in karma but for someone like myself, that's what happened. It one thing to have a hard time supporting your kids. You never stop trying though. To me helping my kids succeed, is how I can own my title and feel successful. Your parents enjoyed themselves for years while they were still responsible for you, as a minor. All those years and pain you felt from the betrayal and loneliness. Your success wasn't quick and easy. Your parents didn't try to be present until it was too late. They hurt you and didn't care when you wished they cared. They had time but karma wasn't having it. They didn't care until they got a grim break to their, fun times. You didn't cause the loneliness and struggle you needlessly suffered for years. Karma had mercy on you and you deserve your success. Just make sure you don't repeat,the horrible parenting your parents used. If you do decide to have children in the future be the parent you wished you had or better. Just breath you didn't cause your mother's disease. When people are dying the grim discovery often births great regrets . Death has a way of making people remorseful, when it comes knocking. Don't blame yourself, you were suffering for almost your entire life. Your suffering shouldn't have happened.

You have got this all wrong. I did what you did paid for my undergraduate and my MBA. My parents didn't pay for any of it. My Mom & Dad grew up during the depression. My Mom went to work at age 12, she said to me that she put herself through high school bought all her clothes, glasses etc and she was the first to graduate from H.S & so was my Dad. So they fed you, clothed you and put a roof over your head, took you to the doctor. Do you realize the cost over 17 years? So, you resent them taking a vacation? You don't want them to have a nice life; it is all about you? Instead of being proud of your accomplishments, you feel entitled and hurt your parents. Go seek therapy because your resentments are unfounded. I felt it was time to pay my parents back for all they had done for me. Grow up & make amends with your parents otherwise you will be miserable forever.