Told my dad I could either pay his $400 medical bill or come to Thanksgiving, and I picked the bill

Brian Coleman · 2026-09-23T12:05:04.591912+00:00

My dad called me 3 weeks ago and said money was tight after his knee shot, so he needed $400 for a bill by the 15th. Then he mentioned Thanksgiving at my aunt's place in Saco would be the same weekend and he really wanted me there. I couldn't swing both, since the flight alone runs about $350 and I'm still paying off my car. So I sent the $400 and stayed home. He said "that's not the same as seeing you" and hung up kind of fast. We talked twice since and it's been short and weird. My sister says I should have just put the flight on a card, but that's how I got in trouble two years ago. I still think covering the bill was the right call, but I don't know how to get past the awkward part now. Anyone deal with a parent who turns a money talk into a guilt thing?

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Told my dad I could either pay his $400 medical bill or come to Thanksgiving, and I picked the bill | Awkward Family Talks - Rigidtalk