Hello Michelle,
I went through some similar feelings as what you have written, I've lost family, helped in being a CG, and some of the the remarks people made were so ... I'm going to just say ridiculuos. I think they need to find something to say to console themselves that they have 'helped' in some way. I felt like I lost a lot of friends when this all started with my mom. Some people have come back around, but mostly, I think it is me who has changed. I used to get pretty bent on some of the the remarks--honestly I guess i still do since reading what you wrote struck a cord inside me. You sound like a strong woman who has been there, done that...and you have all of us. I would have been so lost if it weren't for friends here on the OCF. There is no one like them, they give it to you straight and with such love and courage, what they have been through, and yet they come on and help everyone.
I know my mom still has quite a battle ahead of her, she's got us, my family, and all of you, though she doesn't use a computer--yet--my younger one is determined to 'hook her up' and teach her how to type. It is here, in this family, that I find my strength to keep pushing.
Donna