Hi Erin, I understand about the importance of taking care of ourselves. There are certainly different levels of friends, especially when something serious happens to our health and we are not able to be the person we used to be. I'm going to look up M.G. so I can understand more what you are going thru. About 10 years before getting RSD, I lost my parents and went into counseling. It was then that I really learned to take care of myself and be a good friend to my friends. I became a better mother and wife. Even though you may be limited in certain aspects of caring for your family, I'm certain you can teach your family thru example, about caring for themselves and others that will last for years to come. I know people tell me all the time, my daughter is such a good friend to them and compassionate. She is 29 now and about 17 when I got RSD. I know she is to me. Do you have children? how many and ages? Husband? Take care of yourself. Loretta