I was already semi retired (I still kept the books for my DH's business), when I had my last exacerbation that never, fully, went away. I felt very very useless, but after adjusting to my new life, I found that I could be much more involved in being a good Wife and Mother again and with encouragement from DH and Paxil, I felt useful again.

As Cindy said, Joelle, your next season is just over the Horizon. What a great way to "Spring" forward. I hope it all works out great for you.