Replies to 'The Meaning of "Family"'

I used to be like you. I have a child who is diabetic and I also have another one who is an asthmatic. I too, like you , didnt want to leave my children with anyone else due to my worrying about them and what could happen to them while I am out and I couldnt enjoy myself while out. BUT, if you dont take time for yourself, you will get resentful towards others. I did the same to my husband too, because I was not happy being who I have become due to thinking my life only revolved around my kids and their well being. Look at it this way, you cannot be with your kids 24/7. Put trust in God to take care of your kids while you have "peace" to yourself sometimes. If you dont, you will drive yourself crazy. (I know I have before). What I have learned from counseling, and it went both ways for me and my husband is that we both tend to lash out at each other, because we are comfortable with each other, but if we took time for ouselves to do something "alone" by ourself, it would eliminate the stress we feel.  Everyone needs  a time to "wind down" and  get back in touch with ourselves. I'm not saying go on a weekend trip by yourself, just take a few hours by yourself. By you being away from your children for just a few hours a day, or week, not only gives you time to unwind, but it also gives the children time to become independant without mom being there 24/7. On the days that the kids arent feeling well, stay home with them, but on a day when all is good with them, take a few hours to yourself and go shopping, or walking. When I realized this, and it was pointed out by the counselor, not only did my relationship with my husband improve, but the negative feelings I had, went away and I felt better also. I was able to enjoy my life, by being able to be "me, a mother and a wife". I definately agree with your last sentence you wrote: "Wouldnt life just be easier if we could add a few extra hours on to it"? For some reason, I dont have enough hours in the day, to get my housework done. lol!  

Your feelings are normal. You are not alone, because I have been there before too. YOu have a feeling inside of you that lets you know when you are fixing to lash out, so when you feel that feeling comming, instead of lashing out on it, go outside or in another room, and when the feeling is gone, then come back in to talk to him. (our counselor told us this as well). it works, and then we are able to talk, instead of argue.  

My son is 6 y/o and has diabeties. My daughter was 6 months old when she came down with asthma, and had to always go to the E.R. She is now 16 y/o and is now finally outgrowing it. God is always going to look out for his children. This is what I believe and this is what helps me to be able to go places by myself sometimes. AND if anything were to happen to one of my kids while I am out , someone can always reach me on the cell phone for emergencies. Hope this helps.  Good luck, and take some time for "you". As my counselor put it to me: "you need some time to yourself, and the kids need some time without you".