As a Muslim daughter trying my best to care for my parents but I’m overwhelmed
Assalamu alaikum. I’m 25F from North Africa, and honestly I can’t remember ever really feeling like a child. Growing up in a small town, I had to travel far for school from about age 10, so I always felt I needed to be more grown-up than my years. I worked hard, finished school, and alhamdulillah I have a decent job now. Since then I’ve basically become the main financial provider for my parents. We always struggled, and I feel like I’m their route out of the difficult life they had. I know Islam teaches us to care for our parents, and I do it with all my heart. But the reality is I keep putting them before myself every single time. Lately I’m feeling worse than I did during my studies. I’m sinking under debts trying to give them a decent life. Their health is getting worse, and my dad has a rare illness that needs very expensive medication. I’m here alone, in debt, barely getting through the month, sometimes skipping things for myself so they won’t worry. It’s the 18th of the month and I have no food left and I have to borrow again. My parents aren’t bad people - they’re very kind - but the burden is heavy and I don’t remember ever feeling truly cared for as a woman. Please make dua for me, that Allah gives me strength, patience, and sustenance to get through this and keeps my faith strong.