(No subject)

[Guest guest]

Good idea! I have been just juggling life for several years w/NO support from

anyone in the autism community, but realized I *need* that kind of support! They

cannot change my situation here, but OH, it helps to have someone who accepts

and understands the situation w/out offering ways to FIX it. I also got

tired of feeling judged, criticized, etc. by people who didn't believe in (!) or

understand Aspergers. SO frustrating. My own family doesn't get it -- and

several of them have it themselves (have self-medicated, drugs, unemployment,

etc. forEVER). SAD. I have tried to explain to my sister, but she thinks of

it as a " mental illness. "

Anyway, sorry to hijack! Getting out is SO important. I am a retired La Leche

League Leader, and I never left my babies. I mean, I nursed/wore them for a

couple of years before leaving them w/Daddy....Some of it was ME, some was that

they were velcro-babies. But now that they are older, I realize the importance

of takine care of ME, too. It's like on an airplane, how we have to put on our

own oxygen mask first, THEN help the children? It's so true. If I neglect

myself, everyone suffers. And I don't do much. I'm not high maintenance! I don't

shop, do beauty parlors, etc. I just need some breathing space, a good book,

some coffee, and I'm good.

JoAnn

>

> Joann,

> It's good to know that I'm not the only one refereeing the interactions in my

house.