NaoSky, thank you for your post! I do take care of myself with regular income from Disability and help from my folks when I need it (like the recent $2000 dental bill), for which I am eternally grateful. I am self sufficient in all other ways, a huge improvement from the days when folding my laundry was a major undertaking. My folks financial assistance shows where their heart lies, but entrenched perceptions can be difficult to change I guess.