I am fortunate to have the support of family and friends that provide me with the help I need on a consistent basis. My mother helps me with my children; I can depend on her for child care, picking up from school and dropping them off at their extracurricular activities. My father is a financial support by providing my children with allowances and extra surprises. I recognize that I am blessed to have my parents, I know so many people whose parents are deceased. The benefit of having such supportive parents is I don’t have to rely on strangers to take care of my children when I am not able to. They are always in the care of people who love them and only want the best for them. If I did not have my parents as a part of my support I would feel lost.
I have great girlfriends that I can depend on to talk to when I need encouragement or someone to talk to. As an only child (biologically- I have step siblings) my long term relationships with my girlfriends are special to me. I have known them since childhood and they are like my sisters.
Over the last several years my family has been dealing with my stepfather’s depilating illness. His health deteriorated to the point of him losing control of his lower extremities. He is now totally wheel chair bound. It was difficult dealing with him during the challenges; when he could have changed his condition and use physical therapy he chose not to. So I have imagined myself with that type of challenge, the lost of my legs and the ability to walk. I know I would need supportive family like he has. A partner and children willing to arrange excellent health care, drive me places, and help with the small things I can’t do for myself. I also would need my support circle to encourage me and not enable me.
