[NeuroNixed Craig]

For those who can relate, I am wrapping up a full week's visit of my two grandsons ages 4 and 6. The 4 year old is a skipped generational clone of me, so my daughter is so screwed! I just have not had the energy to interact the way I would like with them. The heat has been horrendous hovering at 100' since Tuesday.

My wife has been having a blast with them taking them out to the stores, video store, McDonald's and other places which have those indoor playground thingys, some indoor blowup playground called Kangaroo Jack's, and the local park. I did get to go out with them to see "Toy Story 3," which is awesome and we had a great time going to dinner after.

My tolerance level of the frenetic activity totally sucks. I am able to maintain control and not affect the kids. Inside I'm ready to blow because of their high energy behavior and it lasts forever. But I will not do that because it's me not them with the challenges.

Whaaa! Whaaa! Whine! Whine! OK! Enough of that. I cherish every minute I can spend with them. Time is short.

[kicker]

I was lucky enough to raise my twins to 12 before MS changed me. We saw Toy Story I and now Andy is going off to college in III like them, which makes us all tear up.
I can't hold babies anymore and must be sat down like a 5-year old and babies placed carefully in my arms. I'm glad my kids are 18. They look out for me now.

[Jules A]

Hang in there!

[Dejibo]

[Blessings2You]

Only if I can use a squirt gun: BANG! You're wet!

[SallyC]

I hear Ya Craig. My youngest grands are also boys - ages 4 & 5. DD brings them over, along with the 2 girls - ages 9 & 11.

I wouldn't miss it for anything, but by the time they leave, my old Pup and I are exhausted and we both lay down for a long nap.

[NeuroNixed Craig]

OK, back again! I hope I've recovered after sleeping a combined 12 hours. But you know what? I don't know if it's the meds their messing with or my age, but I found it hard to say goodbye and got all choked up thinking about them not being at home with me when I get there.

C'mon Man! They are only a 2 hour drive away and we do see them at least once a month, so what's that all about? Some well meaning person on Facebook asked me if my reaction was due to a need to nurture? HOLY CRAP NO! I'm not a nurturing kind of guy, more like a kick-in-the-butt kind of guy. I think it's just sometimes it really hits hard how limited my time is left with them. But, that's a whole other story and thread.

[Dejibo]

I have found my MS makes me more emotional. I dont cry at movies, and I am amazed to watch my g/fs blubber and sob at love scenes. I dont get weepy, I get up and take action! so, imagine my surprise when recently I found myself weepy! Easy to cry at commercials, and movies, and situations. The MS MD said its common for MS patients.

[kicker]

Everyone hold their fire. No shooting. Craig is one of us.

[kicker]

My neighbor brought her son and DIL with their gorgeous 10 month old over. I want one so much! Even DS (18) thought he was cute.