Thank you to the caregivers and friends

[Guest guest]

My husband went to bed tonight early. He was exhausted and

had new worry wrinkles around his eyes and forehead and I

know it was caused by concern for me. He is no different than

many of you who share this list. It reminded me of the terrible

burden our sickness places on those who care for us, those of

you who are husbands or wives or siblings or friends of us with

CP. It reminds me of the price you all pay to help us through our

times of need.

When we are hurting like this we tend to burrow into ourselves

more and often try to hide our pain to prevent you from knowing,

and worrying about it. Or we lash out with irritation and

frustration at those we care about over the things that are

happening to us that cause so much pain, and over which we

have no control. Yet, as it hurts us physically, I know it hurts

those who care for us by creating so much mental anguish.

I haven't even mentioned the financial and social strains that a

family living with this disease has to suffer through. It reminds

me of how fortunate we are to have our caregivers, siblings and

friends who walk this difficult road with us, though they often

must feel left behind as we become so self absorbed. If you are

one of these special people in our lives, I want to say THANK

YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for being there for us when

we need you most.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.