Hi Lori Lee,

I forgot to mention about desensetizing. In therapy, I had little buckets of rice, cotton balls, coffee grounds, beans,popcorn, just various textures, dip your fingers or toes into each buck and then move on to next bucket, rubber balls, rubber bands, The various textures, get your skin used to various textures. Massage Therapy, does the same thing, adding essential oils. These all play a part of adjusting your skin to various textures and smells. Violet is a relaxing soothing fragrance, music, happy memories from childhood, photo albums, funny movies, writing cards to good friends and family, makes them feel good as well as ourselves.

I really miss skiing and tennis, Snow and water,We still have our boat. It took me a long time to miss my sports, but I now am just grateful to have been able to have done so much. There is a book entitled, "You can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought" by Peter McWillliams he also co-authored the 5 steps of grieving. Grief, or loss of our health is a huge adjustment that takes time to heal.

Have you thought of sitting down with your children, maybe individually, due to their age difference. zmaybe the schools have ski programs.Maybe other mothers are willing to take them in with their children. What state do you live in?

My heart goes out to you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing? We really care! Loretta Jewell