Jim,

it makes me sad reading your post because i'm still young (35yrs) and before i was hospitalised with oral cancer i didnt realise how lonely the some older people were. Guess i was like your kids - busy raising my own family and used to being looked after by my parents rather than the other way around. While i was in hospital, i saw how lonely the older patients were and how their kids did not visit them. It broke my heart but if i did not see it then i prob would not even think about it. I said to myself there and then that when i'm out of hospital i would spend more time with my parents and help then out more. Your kids, like me probably does not realise how hurt and sad you are - maybe you can express your disappointment to them? Its not that they dont care or love you, they just got caught up with their own life and just need to be reminded that you need them too.

I'm not very good with my words so i hope i have not offended you with my post. I'm only newish on here and take great comfort from your posts and many others. I feel selfish sometimes that i'm only taking comfort rather than providing comfort. My thoughts are with you during low times - something which we all go through.

Minh