Posted by Dan C. (63.226.101.46) on April 21, 2001 at 22:44:09:
In Reply to: Someone please talk to me posted by Kimberly on April 21, 2001 at 13:45:50:
Dear Kimberly- I'm 46, and have never been married. I used to wonder why I never met the "right one." However, during the past 10 years, living with declining health- and increasing pain- I'm often glad that I am alone when I get home in the evenings. I have taught school for nearly 22 years- usually on a team and/or faculty that is almost entirely female. Most of them are mothers, as well. I think of them every time I get in the door at the end of the day. I have no idea how they do what they do. I have the utmost admiration for good mothers. You must be one of them. If it were not so, you wouldn't long to be with your daughter like you do. Is there a way your husband- and the rest of your family- can access the internet, and read some of the vivid descriptions here- relaying the genuine suffering and frustation that we live with and must deal with? Perhaps you could print some of them to share. I feel that might be an important goal for you, when things ease up. Try to "educate" your family and loved ones about your condition. If need be, plead with them to read, listen, learn- and understand. Tell them how much it would mean to you. Keep the thought of your daughter in mind at all times- and how much you love her. It should give you some strength to "hang in there," for for her sake. Personally, I pray to God each day that my family, my students, their parents, and my co-workers will understand that I truly am doing the absolute best I can in life. And...I think it helps. Try to continue to be strong, patient, and most importantly- have faith in yourself. We're all usually a bit stronger than we might have thought.
Sincerely,
Dan C.