Posted by Cathy (24.92.249.31) on July 21, 1999 at 17:45:49:
In Reply to: The Hermit of NYC posted by Amanda Best on July 20, 1999 at 23:44:58:
Amanda:
Form your earlier post to me, you mentioned that you do not work. I did not work 2 years ago. Altho' I did not have chs at the time, I was spending my time as a hermit, also, only in Syracuse. I was depressed...even though I don't want to admit it. I was looking for that perfect teaching job, couldn't find it, and ended up staying home for a year. However, it was a perfect time in my life for that to happen. My mother-in-law became sick with cancer, and all other family members worked during the day. I was the only one available from 8 am til dinner time. So, she depended on me. I took her to chemo, the dr., hair appts, did her grocery shopping, ran to the bank for her, did her laundry, made her meals, etc., etc.
We became closer each day and I loved spending time with her. Her need got me up and out again. Her need sparked a drive in me. Her need made me realize that I was lucky. (I've been saying that a lot lately!) Someone else needed me, and because I knew that, I got moving and kept going. Even after she died, I kept going by helping out with her estate. Making sure that things were done "correctly" and how I knew she would want them. That was a little over a year ago. Then I got my present teaching job. The kids depend on me. I need to be at school daily. When I got my most recent cycle of chs in Feb., I vowed that they would not interfere with my job. The students are the 2nd most important thing in my life. My husband is first (along with our dog). --This post has gotten extremely long, and more personal than I ever expected. I apologize.-- But my point is that if you were to find someone who needed you, really needed you, only if for a short period each day, that may help you. Knowing if you don't show up, they will suffer. If I was not teaching I would be volunteering somewhere. I was a strong volunteer worker up until 10 years ago. I miss it and need to get back into it. I know there are people out there who need me. And there are people out there who need you - would benefit from your warm heart.
E-mail me if you want. I have got so many ideas for you....
Take care-
Cathy