When Dave and I were young marrieds and both still in school and trying to get by on a pittance, our parents both helped us. Loving parents who have the means to assist do that happily, I think, and you shouldn't feel bad that you needed the help. Medical bills eat people alive. For us, although my parents and my in-laws refused, too, we insisted on paying them back when we got on our feet.

Burnable, ideological differences or not, from a parent's perspective, our kids are our kids, and we'll move heaven and earth to help them if it's within our power. If my son were in your situation and needed help, I'd do whatever it took to assist, even if I couldn't easily afford it. You have kids; you already know how that works. Doesn't matter how big they get, they're still your babies.

Hope the financial stresses ease up on you soon!