@hotfooted Thank you for your kind message and there is nothing to apologise for. We all do what we need to do and taking a break when you need it is good. I wouldn't want you to feel a responsibility to post here on Connect if that was adding to your burden. Come here when you need to be heard and to know that others will listen. My mom has been able to live on her own with assistance for traveling to appointments and grocery and medication delivery. I still get the burden of that and siblings still back out of helping. Last year, I had to stop and take time for myself because I broke my ankle and could not walk or drive or push a wheelchair. As you might have guessed, there we complaints that I was taking too long. Even just today when I told my mom one of her appointments is the same day that I will be having my surgical ankle plates removed, she says we can reschedule her appointment instead of having my sister take her which is close by and would take under an hour total time coming and going. My sister is in and out of there and can schedule her time as she likes, but they would rather leave the chores for Cinderella.

Life is good though and yesterday I had a nice day on a trail ride with my horse. I have been doing pretty well, but there may be more changes to my spine, and I will follow up with my spine surgeon about that. Last year was challenging for us with my ankle fracture, my dental work and oral surgery, and my husband had surgery for melanoma on his hand which luckily we caught in time, but we have to be vigilant about his followups and he has frequent dermatology appointments with removal of abnormal moles. Still, I feel blessed to have a wonderful husband and we support each other. He is there to help me and stand by my side. I feel that I have a safe place and refuge where I can just be. Yes, I am healthier, thank you for asking. As much as I would like to stand my ground from too many family demands, I can't let my 91 year old mom flounder on her own, so I will take her to doctors when she needs them and get after her for not taking proper care of herself. She doesn't always think things through. When all is said and done, I need to know that I did everything as best I could. I want to live with no regrets.

It is good to hear from you. As demanding as it is, care giving can bring out the best in us even when we are looking at a difficult situation. Blessings for you as well.