I used to feel that way too, B2. Then it got much worse, now I'm very thankful to be able to do anything with a little help from my friend, Provigil.

Yesterday I had 4 grad party invites and opted to attend only 2 of closer friends' kids'. The first one, I drove up onto the lawn, right into the party, called to have the kid sent to me, she came, I congratulated her, we chatted a bit, I started up the car and backed out. That was all I could afford and she got a kick out of it. Her parents did too, but I happen to know that they don't have underground sprinkling. So that was all of 30 minutes.

Next I went to one that I could not cheat, this kid is a little more special with a lot more of my friends. I drove right up onto the lawn (they're used to that) and got out my walker. It took me about 10 minutes to navigate the grassy, bumpy turf to stick myself someplace out of the way.

I knew that I could accept no beverages and I didn't dare eat anything (flippin' unpredictable bowels) because there was no way I could get into the house to use the bathroom. But, I had a very nice time seeing the boy and his buds, the other family members along with several of my friends.

A funny thing happened when I said my thank yous and goodbyes. I got back to my car and ended up "holding court" for 90 minutes as one friend or kid after another waited for a turn and came and sat with me for a little chat. It was very odd, but fun. I sincerely appreciated that they all wanted to do it!

So, even though they know that I couldn't make the circuit and visit with each of them, they all found their own ways to make it happen. It's not as fun as milling around, but I felt safe seated in my car and they all seem to understand that much. They never ask me why I can't do this or that anymore, they just help me make things happen in new ways.

I was very, very tired when I got home, but ever so glad I went.

Today, I will go to the lakeshore and join the cheering section for the MS 150 bike riders as they come in from a grueling ride in the name of helping people like me. It will be warm and tiring, but they're worth it to me. Tomorrow, I'll pay.