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but it just makes me mad how people use/abuse her and don't appreciate all that she does. They go to the extent of lying to her just so they could get more money out of her. I don't understand how people can just keep asking and taking and taking from someone who gives genuinely.
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I hear you Rasmalai. My mom is the same way and so was my dad when he was alive, may Allah grant him jannat. They did so much for so many people ...some were really wonderful and thanked them and were always there for them, but the rest...well, the less said the better.
But I can't complain because my parents gave me all the love I could ever want and made sure I wanted for nothing. And most importantly, I learned from them that anybody can be nice and considerate when he/she is being treated with consideration. It takes true courage and sabr to give and give and give of yourself without expecting anything in return EXCEPT for the knowledge that Allah is ALWAYS watching.
So appreciate your mother's excellent qualities and try to emulate them. Forget about what you may or may not receive in return. Expectations, as you've realized, shouldn't be imposed on others...we should only "expect" from Allah. Doing otherwise usually leads to disappointment.