To Gretchen

[Guest guest]

--Gretchen,

Thanks so much for the great welcome. The day I joined I was

very depressed. It seems the more I try to get a handle on this

disease, the more EVERYTHING else in my life compounds. I find I

don't have as much " coping ability " It does seem to fluctuate

though. It has been a tough couple of years and over all I have an F

you attitude and keep on pushing (excuse the language!) I believe

this is WHY I have maintained what I hacve and continue to go on.

As far as work goes. I CAN NOT afford to work part time. I am fully

capable of working f/t, I just need to find a job that is not

stressful. Like that is going to possible! I am a single person -

sort of.

I do have a wonderful man in my life, but he is a farmer and despite what people

think, farmers are not rich! We live a " he looks after him and I look after me "

life - financially. Emotionally and physically he is the best thing that has

ever happened to me.

IF I can't work full time and support my self, I will have to look at

WHAT can I do? there is AISH (Applied Income for the Severely

Handicapped) but I don't think that is where I need to go. I will

push that the gov't " re-train " me or something. I just need to keep

looking and stay positive. Sometimes that is difficult.

Part of my " problem " or should I say CHALLENGE is that I did not do post

secondary until after children and separation. I did post secondary full time

while going thropugh a divorce. I had 2 family members die, 2 children move

out, and started a new relationship with a man as well as pursuing my degree.

Really quite a bit. Since I was an " old " lady when I graduated, I am still in

the " I think I will try this field and if it doesn't work another one " When one

graduates from post secondary at age 22 they have time for that, I don't and yet

that is basically what has been going on for me.

There IS something out there for me, I am just at loose ends right now as to

what and where. I always have to remember my physical capabilities when looking

for work. Ahh, the joys of challenges. Sometimes I just get tired, but I am so

happy to have this group as support. to whine to and to encourage. Thanks!

PS You sound so upbeat, no one would ever think - or I would never

think, you were on " our own " with very few friends! Keep up the good

work. You have been a great help!

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