Thanks Ali,
You're a constant reminder of 'What it takes'!
Very good advice!

pete
asb

First, I love the name, that says alot about you. Secondly, I feel your pain and your mother's as well. You are a wonderful daughter and don't ever doubt that. I know you are affected by the lifestyle changes that your mother is going through and all you can do is love and support her right where she is. My children were young teens when we were all involved in a serious auto accident. My oldest daughter broke her hip, my husband broke his femur and pelvis, the two youngest had moderate injuries, and I crushed both feet tore every tendon, nerve, bone and nearly severed the right foot off of my leg. I spent over a year in a wheelchair and endured many surgeries. The pain I endured during this time was nothing compared to the pain I seen in my children's eyes. The love and encouragement that I recieved from them is why I am walking today. I will never forget the day I went to physical therapy (after about a year and a half), my pt was going to attempt to teach me to walk again, my children and husband all came along, and when I rose out of that chair and took a step we all looked at each other and sobbed. Then after a moment, they all started cheering me on to take another step, I walked ten feet that day and with every step I looked at my family and took another step. I taught my children to walk and who would have ever thought they would have to teach me. It didn't end there, they began working with me at home to take small steps, my son put me on a treadmill and stood right by my side, set the timer for five minutes and talked me through. I cried from the pain, but I ensured them it was okay and that was the only way I would get stronger and get passed this. Then they asked me to go outside for a walk, just up and down the driveway, then to the neighbors driveway. Then one day I took my little dog put her on a leash and met them at the bus stop.... they were shocked to say the least!!

Your story really touches my heart. There are many, many other alternatives that your mother can try. You can encourage her, or maybe even go with her to a yoga class, or meditation, maybe encourage her to buy a relaxation tape, applying heat helps many people, salt baths, ask her to go for a walk... maybe share with her about the forum and how many people challenge this disease everyday and SHE IS NOT ALONE. Happyface, what I am trying to tell you is, I wouldn't have made it through the challenges that I faced without the love and support of my children, but there came a time where I had to deal with this illness on a personal level. I never mention my pain to my family, they know, why should I keep reminding them or myself, it serves no purpose. If I am having a bad day, I use alternatives to get me through and just pray tomorrow will be a better day. If I am having a fair to good day I enjoy every precious moment and my family gets an awesome dinner. Be patient, your mother will get there, just keep encouraging her with alot of positivity. But do enjoy your life too, its okay, don't feel guilty. Your mother will find her way. Take care, and keep us posted, there are alot of mothers' LOL, on this board.

Jeanie

A hidden treasure!! The words of Wilbyfree.. Experience first hand and how to reach for the stars..and she did it!!! God bless you my very dear friend and all of our family here..Keep reaching for the stars..we see it no other way!

Hugz, Kathy:grouphug: