It's been a busy, busy day! Just let the 'babies' in for the night! Spent a little more fun time with 'Arrant!' Told him he has only to get through tonight & tomorrow & then it will be time to see the Dr. I don't think he's too happy - growled! lol! Gets his bath tomorrow, brushed, & his nails trimmed. He'll be ready! Me - I'm just trying to stay in the 'positive' mode! :)) Thanks for the prayers & comments everyone!! I appreciate them very, very much! Made my evening (or should I say 1:58 am) seem a little better! Thank you!! You guys/gals are TOPS! Nephew's doing better! He'll be seeing the family Dr. on Monday as well! A busy day Monday! I'm also taking a vacation day Monday - not sure what to expect?? I hope all goes well! Everyone - give your fur-babies, cats, kittens, birds, reptiles, whatever the case may be (even tropical fish!!) - a HUGE & very tight hug!! It makes you feel very 'good' inside & it does make a difference! :)) Love you all! Mike

Susie, this is a very hard thing to go through....both your brother and the family....I know first hand. After my mother's mother (my grandma obviously) passed away my mom had a very hard time and was suicidal. There were times I pleaded with her and followed her to the river to prevent her from jumping...and I was only 16 years old. It was one of the worst times of my life along with my mom's. I know on her deathbed she was ashamed of putting me through that......but I forgave her and told her I thought she was a great mom....and she shook her head 'no'.... ...anyway...not to make this about me. Take your brothers threats seriously and if you can do it and it would help get there...and whatever else just be supportive. ..oh on a sidenote my mom did get the shock therapy and that eventually did bring her out of her deep depression...although she got way more than she was supposed to and to this day I wonder if that contributed to her blindness later in life. It's just a helpless feeling and I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Duane

Sending up strong special thoughts and prayers for Kat. Nita, next time you talk to her, tell her I said hello and am thinking of them all. Char

Runninginplace. Your post is RIGHT ON!!! It deals with the caregiver. Oakley, you can find a caregiver support group for yourself. Find one online with forums. Caregiver.org is one. Local hospitals have caregiver groups. Also, your county Office for the Aging or your state representative's office has contacts. All these posts are about DH, not YOU! You have to take care of yourself. Find people and info for what you are going through yourself, so you do not get sick, too. Do not make his illness yours. It takes a lot of practice to be able to do that. Yes, do some research and some chores. BUT...Make him be responsible for his illness. If you do it all, he will let you. Take care of you. Do something nice for yourself everyday, even if it's just sitting or listening to music. Keep up with your exercise. Eat right. Talk to friends and go out for fun. Do your hobbies for relaxation and creativity. Take off one day a week from all the research/doctors/worrying, etc. I have been caregiving a sick partner for 10 years. It's hard on the emotions, on your own stress levels, and on the relationship. Take care of yourself and allow (insist on) your DH to be responsible for himself in more ways. My best to you, Oakley. And thank you, Runninginplace, for all your fantastic words in support of the CAREGIVER.