[Aunt Donna]

My family has been great about my mental and medical issues. They understand because it runs in our family. They are used to me being here for them and I always will be. I am worried though how they will take things in the next few years. I have been in denial about it but have come to accept it because I refuse to give up. The fact is that for me to have an active life and travel like I want, I will have to do it from a wheelchair. I have arthritis in my back. The doctors discovered it when I was fifteen and it is getting worse. I am tired of living in pain and limiting myself. I am determined to do what I want to do even if it is from a wheelchair. I just refuse to give up. I want my family to be okay with it. I needed to get that out of my system.

[sunsetsunrise]

Donna, sometimes the first step to others accepting something is for us to accept it. Sometimes the rest falls into place more easily than we expect.... once we can accept it fully enough. I hope this will be true in your case. That your family will accept it because you are accepting it more fully. Blessings Donna

[Princess_Obsidian]

Greetings,

A sitdown with a medical professional and your family is a wise action you could make. Not to mention, I am sure your local mental health resources have information, perhaps even support groups, for loved ones of the mentally ill.

Have a good one.

Hello, Donna. Do you have reason to believe your family would not approve of the way you choose to live your life?

[Aunt Donna]

Originally Posted by TheByzantine

Hello, Donna. Do you have reason to believe your family would not approve of the way you choose to live your life?

They are worriers like me. I just want them to accept the fact I have accepted it. My husband's family is a different matter. They are the type to want me to stay housebound. I have spoken with my sister and mother. They want me to get a walker with a built in seat to begin with and not start with a wheelchair. My sister is the office manager of a home health and said she can get one ordered when I give the word. Also, the extended family ( outside my husband, mother, sister, her husband, and her daughters) are going to have difficulty with it. They have the poor you syndrome. I don't want it. I rather not be around them if they are going to look at me that way. My church family already knows I have a problem and they are the one who have encouraged me not to give up, just adjust and keep on living.

[(JD)]

Well, some people never understand. Sometimes you just have to go ahead and "show" them and either they'll accept it or they won't, or they'll go along with it without either.

I say, go for it!

I agree with (JD). You have thought this through. Your determination to live your life to the fullest jumps from you posts. You know your family. In my view, it is more than enough to explain you reasoning. You do not need their permission.

We would never get anywhere if we have to please everybody.