There’s an old saying . . . be careful what you wish for.

I am almost 49, and have no extended family to speak of either. I lost both my parents when I was much younger, and neither of them were capable parents anyway; dad was an alcoholic and died at age 34, and mom was schizophrenic.

I have two sisters, but both are multi-millionaire’s and not the slightest bit interested in schmoozing with the poor and sick.

I have two fairly young kids at home, and have raised them virtually by myself. I have been separated from my husband for 7 yrs.

I have had Ulcerative Colitis since the early 80’s, and MS (at least since) 1991.

My best friend died of lung cancer (non-smoker) about 5 yrs ago. She was my rock.

About 10 yrs ago, I decided that what was most important to me was to leave a legacy of having raised my children to be responsible, independent and caring adults, and this is what I live for. I also thought long and hard about “how I want people to remember me?”. I strive every day to meet that goal, in case tomorrow is the day. I also feel that whatever I don’t learn in this life, I am destined to repeat in the next. I don’t want to go through these things again, so I am trying hard to make right anything that I am not naturally good at.

So, I think I have a lot of the same circumstances as you, but I have had a much longer time to contemplate my lot in life. Give yourself time to adapt to this new challenge, and then intend to make the best of what you’ve got. You have a child riding on this.

Cherie