Oh Cindy. Thank you for sharing that story. I really appreciate that. Things are a little different in my family. We are all reclusive by nature or we wouldn't have gone so long without seeing each other. I just talked to my sister's husband. He said that all of us coming out to see her may actually affect her adversely. It would give her the idea that we all think that she's dying. And then, she may stop fighting. He doesn't think it's a good idea for us to converge on her. I also talked with
her. In spite of the fact that the stroke has messed up her speech, she seems upbeat. Tired, but upbeat. And she assures me that she's getting the best care possible. There's really no reason for us to come out.
But - I'd already decided, after listening to my BF and Terry and the kids, that it could be detrimental
for me to go out there. Stress is the number one factor that can bring on an MS exacerbation. It is what has brought on the "MS hug" in the past. What it does is cause the intercostal muscles that support the rib cage to go into a non-stop spasm. If it is bad enough, it can cut off your breathing and actually kill you. The number two factor that can cause an exacerbation is heat. It's definitely pretty darned hot along the Gulf of Mexico. I was so intent on going to see my sister that I was willing to risk it, but I've been brought to see that my sister wouldn't want for me to take that risk. I have to consider my own kids, my BF, and my closest friends before I do something that could cause so much harm. So ... I'm not going. And my sister agrees that I shouldn't come out. She was an RN and knows a lot about MS. I still feel terrible about the whole thing.
Thank you for your good wishes. I'll let ya know what my plans are when we all get it sorted out. 
This is one of those rare times when I'm grateful that the young folks are living here. They can take care of the gliders and anything else if/when I have to go.
)
