A lot of members are stressing these days...either medically, physically or emotionally. Many have combinations and permutations of all three.

My take on it is: if STUFF is gonna go wrong, it will NOW?; Because stuff is happening, or continues to happen [chronically], keep traditions simpler than ever-treasure those that are special...forget the window-dressings. You will be surprised at how little can do soo much in showing/keeping your spirits alive, and how truly simple [and beautiful] they can be.

Appreciate your friends, once you have a 'condition' as PN, you really learn who the 'keepers' are. Show that thanks, thru calls or 'circes'=little gifts-the neat 'sillies' that let these good folks know you love them, for just being theirselves.

IF you have good docs, notes, not generic cards to state why they are 'the good guys' would probably mean more to the staffs that read them, SHOW that the people help make this journey of treatment easier. If you don't have good docs, well, I'm pulling for you to find them....They are out there...just gotta be found?

Lastly, all of us here have lives of some sort, we can be pre-occupied with our own 'stuffs happening'. That does not mean, and, I guess I'm speaking for myself here, but sense others feel similarly, that we ALL don't try to care, as best we can, for each and every other! I firmly believe we DO CARE.

May we all experience at least ONE good thing before the year end, and SEVERAL super things in the new year! Miracles can and do occur!? May we each and every one of us experience a couple....at least!

Hugs and fuzzies to each of you super-strong, good, kind, sharing and generous people!!!!!! - j

Dalek,
This is a thought provoker. I am moving very, very slowly but my spirit is better. Yesterday, limping around, I dusted my living room. And put out two little animated snowman scenes my step-mom has given me. They make me chuckle and one of my little dogs gets so excited over it that she runs in circles wagging her tail vigorously.

We found in the middle of our breakfast table a beautiful pink tinted poinsetta, big bow, glitter sprinkled on it. My wonderful dog sitter had bought it for a welcome home from Mayo. Such a loving thought and effort. She is my best friend and I am so grateful for her.

And one of our neighbors involve their children in making gifts for the entire neighborhood. She has done this for 4 years. It is such a wonderful thing to do if you have children. It teaches them to give without expecting anything in return.

I've been unable to do anything for anyone else this year and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my neighbors and friends. I am praying and hoping that next year I will be able to do for others.

So...got wordy, didn't I? Just wanted to say that it is the gift of Christmas and giving that keeps the heart going.

Billye

Dahlek,
You prompted me to generate my own post about feeling better. I have been away on a visit back home to visit my mom's husband. Mom passed away three years ago and I needed to get back to visit her husband. He is getting up in years and I felt the need to re-connect with him. He was married to her for over 20 years and we went to visit her grave. He is doing well and has a solid network of close friends. He still introduces me as his "daughter" and truly loves me as his own. (Even though I was 25 when he married mom)
I didn't do much this year, I let my daughters do all the shopping and decorating. We even bowed out of the long trip to brothers house. We just decided to do what is best for "us" this year. Makes it much less stressful. Everyone understands and if they don't, then too bad.

This year has really shown me how grown up my daughters can really be!

Merry Christmas to all!

OK you guys, [I Can say this as a former NY person] SPEAK UP!

Please? We aren't alone, are we? Hugs etc.!!! - j

I realize as I read here every day that I am not alone,to think that three years ago I had never even heard of neuropathy! I know it now and realize I am responsible to be my own advocate and set my own limits. It has been hard to give up mowing the lawn, dancing with a baby grandchild in the kitchen to Elvis, I have learned to sit on the floor and bang measuring cups together instead. I have to create my own karma, so if I want to have a good day I have to work harder to make it a good day for someone else. Actually, it means I have to curb my sacastic tongue and reel it in, no easy task for me, I love raw humor, but now I choose my victoms more wisely.
I am blessed to have two very good doctors in my life that listen to me, that I didn't have to search for them, everything just fell into place from the ER visit when PN hit and they have made the journey easier for me.
I have so much less pain that others that post here, helps me keep my chin up and attend my pitty party less often and pray for those who have it worse.
I am so lucky for all the wisdom and advice for those who came here before me, even though I rarely post I am here every day. It led me to B12 first and then other nutrional supplements, coping skills, and so on. So, as we near Christmas and the end of this year let me say thank you everyone, for your wisdom, your humor, your courage and general support, what a wonderful site I found.
Happy Holidays-Janna