I often attended, when family allowed, my daughter's rehab. Crazy; but thru attending her rehab; I quit smoking. I was a 2 1/2 pk. a day smoker; know the denial; thinking I could just cut back "not"!!! During her treatment; I started the patches; and know I can't ever even have one cigarette; or it's all over. I also attended a few AA meetings with her.

I continue to blame myself doing things really was hurting like "hell"; especially the lumbar spine and I still continued. I eventually needed spinal fusion and the discs were protruding into the spine so part of the spinal cord covering was removed; thus failed spinal surgery; which pain meds; which incurred several problems eventually the neuropathy kicked in.

The hardest part was finally coming to "acceptance" of my condition But...... and a big "But"; I could sit on the "pity pot" which I did for some time.....or learn to adjust to accomplishing what I can do.

I am still able to do things a bit differently; but I can still be with family, get meals together and so on and so forth; plus those magnets on my refrigerator really help me a lot. I have a lot of daily conversation with God (my higher power). We get thru each day......as you well know the statement..."One Day At A Time.

Please don't give up on yourself. Be proud of what you accomplished yesterday.


Gerry (Geri)