Dear Coleen,

I’m one of 10 children and I don’t see or hear from any of my siblings, including my four sisters.

I care for my disabled children as a single parent after my partner passed away.

When I hear the Sister Sledge song, We Are Family, it brings a lump to my throat because life’s short and the years are going by so quickly.

Being a carer is a ­full-time commitment and, without help, I struggle. I feel sad for my children, too, as they don’t see them, either.

Coleen says..

That old saying ‘you can choose your friends, but not your family’ applies here, doesn’t it?

I can’t tell you why your sisters are behaving this way, but it’s always more hurtful when it’s a sibling that doesn’t want to be part of your life any more. I know this from experience.

Sometimes it’s easier to accept the situation and move on because, you’re right, life’s too short. You don’t want to be weighed down with regrets. You’ve tried to let them know how you feel; don’t waste your life going over it.

It must be hard looking after your kids alone. Please accept all the help you’re entitled to and, if you are struggling, speak to your doctor. Also contact Carers UK for support and advice at www.carersuk.org.

Got a problem for Coleen? Email her at dearcoleen@mirror.co.uk or write to Coleen Nolan, The Daily Mirror, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP