My mother was admitted into a hospital last week due to a minor stroke and will, hopefully, be released by Friday. I've been staying over at a friend of my mother's, but the woman is almost NEVER home and I've been having to order food almost every day! My pocket money is gonna finish...! Should I wait out until Friday or go over to a friend's house?

Is there any time that you and your mother's friend are home together? Even for five minutes? That way you could let her know what's going on in regards to meals. If she lives alone, she probably doesn't even give a thought to someone else being in the house because she is used to just caring about herself.

Is there any food in the house that you could prepare - with her permission, of course?

So, how I would approach this is to try and talk to your mother's friend that has taken you in and see if something can be worked out. Worse comes to worse, leave her a note on her pillow (I'm assuming she comes home to sleep).

Second, if that is not an option, in regards to the friend you were going to go with, can you talk to them and let them know what your problem is right now and see if they can provide a meal or two for you?

I know you don't want to stress your mom out, but it might be in your best interest to let her know what's going on. If she has any cash, don't feel bad about asking about that.

Don't order fast food. Get food that you can prepare a meal with so you have leftovers. Rice, beans, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, chicken, etc. All can have meals made from these.

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she makes a fast and healing recovery. Check back with us and let us know how things worked out.