What a kid!  It's so cool to hear a kid thinking of her parents needs. You
must be very bright, and head and shoulders above your peers in the
maturity department!  Maybe look into a weekend retreat at a local camp
until summer comes--it would be fun for you, too.
Best to you Joy,
Laura

----------
> From: - Joy - <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Advice Needed
> Date: Monday, March 06, 2000 9:42 PM
>
> For those of you that don't know me, I'm 16 with spastic diplegia CP.  I
> need help with bathing, dressing, transferring, and other such things.
My
> parents handle all of my care themselves.  My dad ends up doing the vast
> majority of it, simply because of my height and his strength.  I'm
worried
> about the effect this is having on my parent's marriage, and also on my
> parents.  They have no time for themselves, and no time to pursue their
own
> interests.  I love them, and I don't want to be a burden.  Does anyone
have
> any suggestions as to how to get them to consider getting an aide to help
> with caring for me?  I've mentioned it, and they always say that it's no
> problem, and that they do it from love.  I know that's true, but what
they
> want to be able to do and what they can psychologically and physically
> handle are two completely different things.  Does anyone have ideas as to
> how I can approach this and help them, without making them feel useless
or
> guilty?  Thank you so much!
>
> ~Joy~
> [log in to unmask]
> http://www.geocities.com/joy0823
> "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."