Hey there, FloatLikeAButterfly. Before I forget, let me say I agree with everything loveslife8 has said about you. You are normal. You are, though, amazing for your age--to have taken care of your mom & done so well for yourself as well.

I'm not sure what's permitted these days in this mixed-up world, but I had a very ill dad my world was largely determined by when I was your age. In 8th grade, I had an algebra teacher whom I found I could talk with. She was really the only one. We became friends. I let her know, when I went on to high school, that I didn't want to lose her from my life.

This spring, she & I met for dinner to celebrate our birthdays, which are just eight days apart. I was 65, she was 85. And I can still tell her everything.

So, please, tell your teacher how you feel. If there's a way to work something out to help you, I'm betting she will.