Jean- Dealing with family issues

[Guest guest]

Jean, Thank you for your constant concern and love for your daughter.

What I would give for my mother to be so expressive. My mom

practically refuses to talk about my illness, indirectly I have heard

it is because it upsets her too much. She allows the rest of the

family to think that my illness just isn't that serious and it really

deprives me of much needed help for me and my girls. I don't think

she means for it to turn out this way, but the rest of the family,

meaning my aunts and my grandmothers have taken on an attitude that

really hurts. Through the grapevine I have heard tell that I should

just pick up and go on. Work with it, toughen up. Any time I attempt

to discuss my illness and the difficulties that it causes, or talk

about needing help with my kids or sometimes even with stuff around

the house; there is an immediate change of subject. I recently

expressed concern about what to do with my girls while my husband is

working 12 hour night shifts while I will have to be in Minnesota for

a month, I was told, why are you worrying about that, you have us

grandparents. The three grandma's present, in the last 5 years

combined have watched the girls while I was in the hospital nearly

monthly, maybe three nights. And here's the kicker; That was only

Jillian the older, noone volunteers to keep Claire my two year old,

that is just too much for them.

I only have my step-dad (who is freshly divorced- and yes I think

that does play into the other problems, I am a daddy's girl), my step-

sister, and My mother-in-law (who has had two heart attacks and a 5

way bipass in the last 18 months) who are willing to help out. Did I

vent a little there?? Sorry it just kind of slipped out!

Anyway I just wanted to tell you that as frustrated as I get you are

feeling, remind yourself that you are still trying, that means you

are doing all you can. Even if isn't able to express it right

now because of her problems, You are a heroic mom. Keep up the good

work and prayers, we shall overcome!

Just so you know I am going to send another letter for , allow me

time to compose myself, give me a day or two!

My heart goes out to you, Keri