@lcl44: It's okay to post in this group, even if it seems what you're dealing with is not as dire and difficult as what others are going through. For me, it IS a chance to vent, give outward expression of long pent-up repression of inward thoughts & feelings which are shameful to admit to. This a safe spot to do this--much better than "venting" on the person you're caring for. And then, I don't think it's so good either to vent with friends or family members looking in from the outside, who may have decades of mixed feelings about their relationship with me. Sometimes their interest can feel like schadenfreud. To protect myself, I need to maintain my reputation for stability, even-handedness, generosity, etc. So this is a safe space to let go of the less admirable stuff.