hi gang, i've only been able to quickly scan messages since I'm at my
sister's in NJ with limited internet access. I'm here for a week
helping my sister, whose husband, you may recall, died a couple of
weeks ago and who also has MS. staying with her has made me realize
how extremely disabled she is. i swear i'll never feel sorry for
myself again! (we'll see about that. . . ) It's as though her lower
body is paralyzed. she can't walk at all, and needs her legs lifted
into bed at night. she's also lost a lot of use of her arms and hands.
she needs her food cut for her. on the other hand, she can still (for
now) drive her specialized van, scoot around on her scooter, and her
mind is far sharper than mine (she's 63). she's a strong, positive
person who stays active through communtiy theater. my heart breaks for
her, though. day to day  living is so hard. she will have a 24 hour
aide starting saturday when i leave and i pray that person will be a
good match for her. she's fortunate she can (just) afford that sort of
care, at least for a while.

we're going to visit a residential facility today, but it would take
her out of her beloved community. please keep my sis in your prayers,
and remember her when you think about how bad you have it. she's my
inspiration.

hugs, diane