Dear Pastor,

My problem started when my sister died 11 months ago leaving four kids behind. I have four kids for myself so I only ended up taking two of her kids. The problem is with me having to stop working because one of her kids has an illness and has to visit the doctor regularly. My boyfriend's mother thinks I am stressing him with all these kids as only one of my children belongs to him. The other three are from my previous relationship. He is fine with me staying home because that was something we planned before my sister passed away. This is really getting to me now. If I leave and go to work my niece will surely die.

What should I do? I don't want to be a burden to my boyfriend. I am not used to being a burden to someone.

A. G., St. Andrew, Jamaica

Dear A. G.,

I am sorry to hear about the passing of your sister. However, I am happy to hear that you were able to take into your home two of her children. I am also very pleased that your boyfriend is not making this an issue and is happy to have the children in the home. He is a good man and you need to thank God for him and let him know that you appreciate him.

You should ask your relatives to take the children for weekends, occasionally, so as to give you a break. And, if you attend a church, you may ask the women in the Women's Movement to assist you from time to time so that you won't feel burdened or stressed by having the kids with you at all times.

If your boyfriend is able to support you and the children and is happy that you are at home, don't allow what his mother says to get you down and make you feel discouraged.

Pastor