In a pickle

United States
August 11, 2009 8:03am CST
I'm at a loss for what to do. My mom, though I love her dearly, is no longer an actual part of my life. About a month ago, her and my dad accused me of stealing just over $700 from them. I would never steal from my parents. I know, and they have told me multiple times, that if I ever need money, to just ask and they would help if possible. I honestly had no clue they had that much money sitting in the house. I am surprised that they would keep that much in the house with the string of break-ins that has been going on in their area for the last 3 months. I love them dearly, but the basic ultimatum that they have given me is this: either admit to taking it and deal with the consequences then go on as before; or deny that I have done wrong and be excluded from the family (I have an 8 year old brother who is suffering horribly because he wants to she me and my daughter so bad.) I have stated to my mom that I don't need to defend myself since I have done no wrong. In my eyes, when I was younger, mostly in my teens, I was a scapegoat. I have an older step brother who didn't live with us. When he was there, it didn't matter who had actually done wrong, I was blamed mainly because my dad was afraid my brother would decide he didn't want anything else to do with us if he got in trouble. Then when I was 15, his mom kicked him out and he moved in with us. From there it only got worse until my brother took off for California. I honestly think that now it is habit more than anything for them. My dad is a heavy pot user and spends lots of money on pot. I honestly think he spent the money on pot and instead of being honest with my mom, he accused her first and then they decided it was me. If I had known about the money before it happened, I could understand the accusation. But as I did not know, how could I have taken it? I'm not sure what to do. Any words of advice? Any one ever been in a similar situation?
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