A father’s heart: My daughter, Caroline, was always fragile. Redundancy and a relationship breakdown two years ago pushed her over the edge. She sought refuge in alcohol. Her life is a wreck. Of course, I still love her and care desperately, but I simply don't know what to do. She only contacts me when she wants money. I have run through my life savings. I don't want to mortgage my home, but, as a Catholic, I would feel guilty if I were to say no. Help.
One of the Herald's chaplains: My heart goes out to you and to Caroline. The first thing to say is that there are two people who need help – Caroline and yourself. You must protect yourself. Addicts are very capable of taking others down with them and then you are no longer in a position to help Caroline. You should not feel guilty about saying no. Christ-like loving is about wanting what is best for the other person and doing something about it. "No" can be, and most frequently is, the most loving response to an addict.
