I have a friend named Rich who I have known for over 40 years. He was my brother's best friend for 35 years until 5 years ago. They had a falling out and neither of them will tell me why they do not speak to each other. That's their problem!
Since the fallout with my brother, Rich calls me more often and thinks that our friendship should be just the same as my brother had with him. We have less in common than he had with my brother. My family and business keep me busy. My brother is single and had more time to spend with Rich.
About five years ago he was diagnosed with a disease called Multiple System Atrophy. It is a nerve disorder where his brain is not firing nerves throughout his body. He walks and talks slower, loses his balance, and eventually all his nerves will stop functioning. It is a horrible condition. My brother doesn't know about Rich's medical condition. I'll tell him when Rich wants him to know.
I take all of Rich's phone calls, take him out to lunch as often as possible, drive him to Doctor appointments, and help him with any work he needs around his house. He calls me almost every day and it is just a bit much for me to call him back and talk to him daily. He even calls at times he knows that I am working.
A couple of days ago he leaves a message on my answering machine, " I'm taking this personally. You and your wife do not care for me. I call and you don't pick up the phone. I seem to care more for you than you care for me.''
I had my wife text him this message...''Rich, the message you left was upsetting. You have a serious problem. My husband calls you as much as possible, takes you out for lunch, and drives you to some of your Doctor appointments. He doesn't need you leaving messages about how you care about him and how little he cares about you. Please, do not call for a while. My husband will call you as soon as calms down.''
I'm not calling Rich for a long time, or not at all! What would you do in this situation?