Erin,

The heat is your enemy. And the temp doesn't have to be in the 90's or 100's, either. MS problems like weakness and loss of bladder control can be made worse by even a two degree rise in your body temp. No fun.

On which leg do you wear your AFO? If it's an AFO like I had that looks like a ski boot, you should not be driving - for your own, your parents' and the other drivers on the road's safety. You admit you are having knee problems you attribute to the AFO. If it's your right leg, that tells us you WILL have problems driving ... and are unsafe to continue it.

Do you think if you were required to pass a physical driving test making sudden, tight turns (YIKES! There's a large tree limb in your path) or abrupt stops (OH No! A 5-year-old ran into the street after his ball) or parallel parking (because the "straight-in" parking and handicap parking was full) or having to back in reverse around an obstacle, (CR*P! A big delivery truck has broken down blocking your path), that you could do it quickly, safely and easily?

Your parents are wrong to pressure you into driving them. Do you think they under-estimate your disabilities? Maybe it's time you have an honest, humble, non-confrontational talk with them (again?) as to how you don't ...no...can't drive them. It's common sense; you can't be responsible for their getting hurt, or worse yet, killed by driving when your leg isn't functioning correctly.

Sometimes Mother (or Father) don't always know best. Sometimes when they'd like a simple meal, could you offer to heat up a can of soup? Or make a grilled cheese sandwich? It's cheaper than a gallon of gas nowadays!

My mom was great at combining Campbell's soups to add flavor and texture. One can Cream of Chicken (or Cream of Celery, Cream of Mushroom, etc.) with one can of water and one can of Chicken Noodle. (or Chicken and Rice, or Turkey Noodle) makes plenty for 3, maybe 4 people. There are plenty of other options using Tomato Soup with Vegetable Soup ... What do you think?