Charm,

Your reply is beautiful. I got teary eyed reading it and at the end I laughed out loud. Thanks for your heartfelt words. You gave me a lot to think about.

Much of my husband's reluctance in participating outside of our home right now is based on his lack of energy, level of pain and this persistent infection. He gets so wiped out. Right now he is napping--we were out for about an hour this morning.

You are so right that our connections with friends are so important. We have had a few folks stop by for visits. And we will be celebrating Christmas with family.

As a caregiver, I have to push myself sometimes to get out and away from this stuff even for an hour at a time. And I do feel guilty that I CAN escape from it when he can't. I love him so much and I want to spend as much time as I can with him.

It's all a tricky balance. Did anyone take a picture of you in your Tang Chinese warrior outfit? Thanks so much--you made my day!

Anita