Posted by Mike L (205.188.200.27) on January 04, 2001 at 02:34:34:
In Reply to: family posted by August on January 02, 2001 at 05:14:02:
I am so sorry that you have to be treated this way! I have been very lucky. My family always welcomes me over and has a room to go to when an attack comes. I also feel fortunate that my family, both my wife and children and parents and syblings don't make a big fuss when an attack comes. They ask what I want to do and I usually point to a room and they help me to the room and talk normaly casualy to me. I wish you could find a way to remedy this. I have occasionaly sent atricles and books to my family to help them understand what I'm going through. As far as my children go (ages 21-1 year old.) My older ones had a real hard time with it. Partially because I was so involved in their lives and always spent time with them. They lost o lot of reliogous faith because they felt if they prayed enough the attacks would cease. Most of the time prayer had been very suceesful. I have tried to teach them that when yout prayers are not answered "yes or right away" that is the real test of faith. My younger children have grown up with them so to them it is fairly normal. My 8 year and my 18 monyh old spent a lot of time in my room when they were newborn so I could give my wife a break. Some days they would spend most of the day in my big bed watchin TV or reading when I was up to it. They both are the only ones who find it easy to stay in the same room when I get an attack. My 8 yesr old has a special "headrub she gives me during an attack" that she learned when she was 4. Then theirs my wife!! always encouraging me and treating me like someone who is not disabled. I feel so bad that she has to work 60 hour weeks to help with the bills. Needless to say she doesn't do dishes at home or even change diapers much. I have learned to be a pretty good mom and I love help when I can. Since we have a business only 2 blocks from home I can work even an hour or 2 at a time. When I get an attack and don't think I can abort it enough to stay at work, My wife or employees drive me home when needed. It take a while for my parents to understand that I couldn't just wish them away but eventually they came around. Just look for the times you can give them something to read or talk about how it feels to be treated the way you are. I wish you the best! Thanks Mike L.