Caregivers Support Group

First off, I want to tell you that it is completely normal to feel how you do, and it is human nature to get angry, and feel shortchanged when we are tested and pressed to our limits. Anyone who says they don't is lying. It doesn't make you a bad person for feeling that way sometimes. It makes you human.

That being said, I read your info, and I am impressed at the accomplishments you've achieved, and the amount of things you have going on in your life, and the way you choose to approach it all is amazing. You have a better grip on your life of many obstacles than most adults that have half a plate full and less responsibility. You need to give yourself credit for all you are doing to make your life the best it can be considering what you are dealing with. Really. You are only 16? You are a mature girl with great head on your shoulders. Yes, it sucks to be in your position with your mom, I had a similar childhood of premature overwhelming responsibility, so I know how you feel. You are doing a good job of managing it, and you should feel proud you are coping in a healthy way.

I know how it feels to wish your mom was different, the mom you knew or wish she would be. You need to remember that you are lucky to have seen her shine, she has obviously impressed upon you the importance of being the best you that you can be. However short a time you had her, relish it. A lot of people dream they had a glimpse of that. Count yourself lucky to have had that experience. I know it is no consolation, and you deserve to have your mom back, but try to stay positive, and think good thoughts. It is alright to cry about it, and feel sad. It is hard to realize that this is how it is, and know you won't have her like she was. It can be downright depressing. Hang in there, and keep posting, and using your face to face friends to keep from falling into depression. Having the goals that you do, and succeeding in reaching them is vital to your mental heath and keep you motivated. That is a great thing to have. Hope. A lot of people have lost that. They sucumb to the bearing weight of their situations, and forget that hope is a powerful tool of survivial. You only need a little.

I'm hanging onto my hope for dear life, and not letting go. That's what keeps me going, knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that yes, I may get sidetracked and feel helpless sometimes, but it is not long term, and I can get through this. Hang in there!