amandamarie, you are not a horrible person. You have your own life to live. I have walked away from someone in my family also. I cannot help who I am related to, and family ties does not mean I need to accept emotional abuse from them. In regard to if you don't answer the phone you would be concerned about an emergency.....The way I deal with this is to remember- that is what 911 is for. Sounds harsh I guess, but I am not police, the fire department or an ambulance which is what is necessary if things are truly that bad in someone else's situation. We are all here for you. (hugs)