Oh, Gilly, I don't think you upset anyone -- I think we've all been having a great conversation seeing things from both sides. We have a relative like that, too -- it IS always about her (in her mind), no matter what else is going on with anyone else. When someone in her family had a serious illness, all she could say was maybe now he understood how she felt -- seemingly no sympathy or concern for him, just her wanting more sympathy for herself. I think that is all we've all been saying, that sometimes people don't understand what we deal with (and I think you're right, it's because we look healthy -- or else as Todd said, they don't understand the long-term nature of it and think we should be well again -- but that their aches and pains are valid, too. As Jan said, no apologies needed. That's one thing this list is for, venting with people who understand. Barbara H. _http://barbarah.wordpress.com/_ (http://barbarah.wordpress.com/) In a message dated 11/20/2008 5:21:47 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Dear Jude, As usual, beautifully said and of course so right. I'm afraid I had a bit of a rant which was not aimed at our list and certainly not of the many wonderful caregivers, who I acknowledge suffer as much as we do in a different way. I also acknowledge that we certainly don't suffer from the worst afflictions. My rant was very personal and comes from recent events which affected me fairly deeply and Rob was the catalyst for me to have a bit of a lash about them. One of my children's in laws has health problems and she seems to think I'm her personal support group and when we are all together as a family, it's always all about her and I'm expected to be very sympathetic and when I'm not I'm the wicked witch of the west! Happened again on Wednesday. I do try to be supportive but there are days when it's just too hard for me and I know you all understand that. I do think it's because mostly we look so damned healthy that it's hard for others to comprehend the pain and difficulties we endure. Sorry to ramble so much but I've been feeling very badly about upsetting people. Especially our truly wonderful caregivers without whom we could not exist I'm sure. much love to you all Gilly **************One site has it all. Your email accounts, your social networks, and the things you love. Try the new AOL.com today!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212962939x1200825291/aol?redir=http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp %26icid=aolcom40vanity%26ncid=emlcntaolcom00000001)
