I don't know, bluemountains. I wish I had an answer that could turn things around for everyone, but as you said, it's an illness we'll have as long as we live, unless the good researchers find the solution through gene therapy. (I'm hoping for that!!)

I can say that I'm more content as I've gotten older and learned that everyone has problems. Nobody is scott free of all difficulties.

I was told once that I'd feel sorry for the people in life who have hurt me for whatever reason, and I've learned something about how to steer clear of that type personality.

Facing the reality of it is strengthening, I think, and I'm so glad that you have seen to it that your gifted son is doing all the right things.

Don't you know that you are a winner in life? I think that thought occurs in the minds of everyone who has resolved to manage the illness and live with goodness.

I just finished two books about people who learned to love despite their illnesses. Both were very enlightening.

I've read that the most gentle people are often the ones with the greatest scars.
For those who have been scarred, I hope to Heaven that they have found the way
to overcome it. It seems to me that many here have overcome tremendous struggles.

Your post makes many of us, probably, a good bit more humble about life;life does have so many blessings to offer us if we can just let them touch us. I think that's what makes it so tough when someone in the "family" can't manage their understanding maturely. But, be encouraged--you are far more mature than she, in my view.

Genetic