Guilty Feelings about Money and Family...What shall I do? SmoknJoe

Ok here it is.

On March 4 2002 I was in a head on collision with another vehicle. Good thing is I am 100% normal (exception of an addiction to certain G-rated sites!!) and have full use of all my facilities.

To make it short I got my settlement from the other mans insurance. Bad thing is he didnt survive the wreck scene. But I made good on a promise I had made to a friend three years ago.

I went after I got my check and all I called him up and asked him to go with me to a boat dealership to check out a boat. Well I just asked his opinions on this boat that boat and such and finally told the salesman that I wanted the 16ft johnboat with a 25 hp Tohatsu 4cycle. I had them accessorise the entire boat as well including the rail guides on the trailer. Total cost of this package deal was $6,252.15.

I had signed the check and asked my bud for his liscense and gave that to them while he was touring the store. I had them to put it in his name and suprised him when he came up front to get his liscense.

You see I made him that promise three years ago in a boat that was on fire in the middle of the river. After we put the flames out I stood there and said if I ever had the money I would buy him a boat and then me one. Well I did that.

I have known him for 15 years and fished, hunted, basically everything there is to do except go with him on his honeymoon lol. But it has put my family in an uproar. They think that out of $280,000 they deserve at least 90% of it!! I wont give my brothers any money at all for down payments on a trailer or cars or such. They never pay me back anyways.

When they got thier inheritance checks they didnt split none of it with me. I'm a step-grandson on this one. My brothers are stepbrothers but I have never looked at it like that. But the biggest issue they got is that I needed to take care of family first. I am and I will. I know what has to be done and where in the family.

And believe me it is a curse as well. You have never seen friends or family till you get money. The phone never stops ringing. The pager keeps going off. My cell phone is disconnected. The sheer magnitude of that amount is over burdening as it is but for everyone to all of a sudden be my best friend and favorite cousin or relative. Get real they didnt visit me in the hospital or even send cards or flowers.

I know who was there the whole time. My mother was there and she worte down everyones name who came by while I was on life support and then when I awoke. I plan on sending my mother either to Hawaii or to Austraila for a vacation next year. Better watch out Kurt!!!

By the way my friend has been on the river every night this week. Me too till tomorrow morning when I go get mine lol. And I havent quit my job either actually four months after my accident I was back on full work detail as a maintaince technician. Call me crazy but money wont last forever. I will stay at my job of seven years at $15.82 hr.

The biggest question is why do I feel guilty or bad about buying my friend a boat and not loaning (giving) my money to my brothers. I would rather be known as an honest person who tries to keep his promises.

I also have another promise to keep but that will be disclosed later on. Depends on what way the comment status swings. That will affect my judgement.

Thanks for the replies and the comments. Be blunt and be persuasive as well. SmoknJoe

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