Hi Allen,
Your post was beautiful honesty and self reflection. As a parent I feel your pain! As a fellow go getter with limitations I can tell you what I did. For a long time I did hide behind my RSD. Yes it was real, it was severe, it was debilitating.........and it kept me safe from a whole lot of things. I didn't take chances or try anything new. My day was consumed by medical stuff and anxiety. It took a lot of the self reflection that you are doing. One day I realized that I was in pain when I was in my apartment resting................ I would be in pain if I took a class.................. I knew a full load would be a set up so I took one. I got my degree one class a time. I was still in pain but didn't that cap and gown give me a lift!

From there I resolved to find a way to do a little bit of everything I love. I loved the social work field but can't work a part time job. I volunteered 1 day a week with hospice. I was in pain but at the end of the day I had something to hold on to. It was just one day but it got me through the week. I sell antiques from home now. What I really want to do is clean out estates and work the open antiques markets. I can't do that but I have my pice of the dream. Find little corners of your old cakes to nibble on. You will hurt either way. You are still in there and your soul needs to be fed. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!