When you need a break, what do you do?

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Sorry, this is longer than I intended it to be! Normally, I would say to someone asking me that, well, just take a break then! Sadly, it doesn't always work that way, does it? I am a 'never give up' type of person. When I have an obligation, a task, a love for a person, it just isn't in me to give up. I'm not giving up on my son and trying to help and care for him when he is really sick. Some days, he's better than other days. Many days, he isn't so good. So, it's rather difficult, mostly impossible, for me to get away for more than a few hours now and then. And yes, I am very thankful when I can refresh myself and get away for those times. I got really, really brave the other day. My children of course have a father. (All have the same father, in case someone wonders). He moved to Florida when we split up. He has a good income, lives a very good life, doesn't lack for anything. Owns a home with an inground pool, a very nice home in a beautiful neighborhood. He lacks for nothing. One of our children lives in Florida, the other three live not far from me. We do speak, we are civil to each other, and don't ever fight. We decided when we split up that we would do that, for the sake of our children and grandchildren. There would be, and have been, many times when we were expected to be in the same place, at the same time--weddings, funerals, graduations, birthdays, and on and on when you have 4 children. It's always worked out for us this way. He has a significant other who is very nice, no issues there at all. They suit each other well. He isn't much of a father, I know that. He treats his children more as a friend at a party than a father, for the most part. But I did get brave, as I said--I asked him if our son could come down there for a visit for a week or two, so I could just have a break, some time to myself and to visit with some other family and friends. He didn't even consider waiting for a decent time to answer, or even think about his answer. It was just a resounding NO. All kinds of excuses--not enough time, he was busy at work, he wouldn't know what to do with him(our son is a grown man, he doesn't need to be entertained!) He takes time for the other kids. He has endless pool parties with endless cocktails. He has time for everyone else, but not a son who is sick? I wasn't asking for a permanent thing, just a break. It has been 18+ months... and I don't think it's selfish. But he said no. I did not tell my son that I asked his father if he could visit, because then I would have had to say that his father said no. I just couldn't do that. I have redoubled all of my efforts. I pray about it all, I take my son to all of his procedures and appointments and all the medical stuff. I have made so many trips to the ER it's not funny. I have spent endless days and nights hovering over him when he's been in the ICU. His father has never bothered to come, although I always let him know when our son is that sick. He sends his best wishes. We named this son after my husband's grandfather. He's always been so proud of all of our children. But now that this one is so ill, he says he is uncomfortable around sick people ( yes, he is!) and he just can't do it. I wanted to call him at least a wimp, but I held my tongue. Yes, it was hard! So I guess I will continue to get my breaks in little snatches. I find I must do this, as I just need time to collect my thoughts and have my own little ''me'' time. Maybe this is selfish, but it's necessary, and I do come home refreshed--even if it's just a few hours. That song, ''True colors'' come shining through comes to mind...