We all want to repay our parents for all the hard work and care they gave us growing up. One way or another, parents deserve to feel appreciated, even if it is not something they should expect.

If we’re lucky enough, by a certain age in our adult life we might be able to repay our parents. It can be by helping them financially after they retire, or by simply being there when they need help (we all had to help a parent with a technical crisis at some point, even if it is extremely minor). Either way, it feels great to be a helping hand to someone who has done so much for you and is responsible for the person you are today.

Unfortunately, offering that helping hand usually does not go as smoothly as we all expect. Family is messy, and definitely not perfect, so when a family member needs help, especially if there is money involved, there is bound to be some drama that follows.

The son in the story below has spent 8 years helping his retired parents with their mortgage, and he did so with love. The only thing he expected in return was a bigger share of the house. Instead, he got a slap in the face.