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The last 2 weeks has been very traumatic for me no matter how much I though I was prepared for it. My daughter's trip to the hospital, which leaves me with more time with the grandchildren than I really wanted just now. (She is ok, 2 surgeries down and 1 to go.) My trip to Sunnyvale, which was very good, but exhausting even though I did not do any of the driving. My surgery this week on my right arm. (The worst part now is when my tremor hits and it is still stitched up--for the first time I am really concentrating on stopping the tremor for a little while. It takes an enormous amount of my concentration and energy to do this, but it is preferred over the pain of shaking an arm with new surgical stitches in it.) The folks in my church have decided that I really need some help and that my son cannot really provide it all. One of them was here today to work on a list and schedule of what I need. They are so kind, wanting to help, but not take over my life. They are trying to make accepting their help as comfortable for me as possible. We made a priority list of things which I cannot do for myself any more. They will try to have someone come at least twice a week to make sure my home is cleaned up (things like sweeping which have become difficult if not impossible for me). They will also be working with my son to give him some hints on being more organized in helping me also. And they are arranging for rides for me when necessary as driving has become a near impossibility. It is so hard for me to ask for help and just as hard to accept it when offered with love. I have been independent all my life. I began to work at age 4 around home and since age 14 (back then you had to be 14 to get a social security card) I have had reported earnings every year until this one. Being on disability has been hard. Asking for help is hard. Accepting it when offered is just as hard. I am so blessed. I have friends and family who are taking care of me and I have this list to laugh with and cry with and with which to commiserate over our mutual problems. Thank you one and all for being there. Marling McReynolds [log in to unmask]