Do you have purpose in your life?

Soop? Does mr soop know?

Bags I opened the window and whispered your message...he doesn't approve of loud noises...not when he's been lolling for the best part of the day with little to think about other than...when am I going to find a friendly female with whom I may frolic.

Oh [says she quickly and defensively!], I am a Rory fan; I just don't have cats of my own! Do pass on the message, soop. [wipes brow]

At this point, Rory, he of uncertain parentage, yawns, stretches, opens one eye, closes it, goes back to sleep. He's such an uncomplicated feline.

And he can type - nellie taught him!

Do you mean you haven't taught him literacy yet? Is he numerate?
You're being as bad with that cat as nellie is with Donald (a dog of distinction you will recall)
I bet HE knows a subjunctive is though!

Bags As Rory cannot read - yet - he isn't too bothered that you're not a fan. He's in skitty kitty mode - lolling and rolling over in the sun-warmed gravel of the drive.

HildaW hope things get a little better for you, if walking the dog makes you feel better, then maybe a few more walks, i'm sure the dog would enjoy! and sometimes being out you may meet another body, just to say "hello " to, easy for us to say "do this" "do that". it's very hard when you have to force yourself.

Same here, except for the cats.

I have intentions, plans, things to do, people (and cats) to love and care for, work to complete, but my existence has no purpose. It just is.

Go on that cruise! They are great!

Burgundy...a bouquet of dandelions, carefully picked and presented with love. That makes you a very special grandmother.

I believe that as well as needing a purpose in life be it work, writing that novel, writing poetry, to run a marathon -whatever your purpose is but I think we all want to be needed. Children, grandchildren, husbands wives, parents, in laws, nieces, nephews the list is endless.

When we had young children I was tied up in their lives school, dancing, gymnastics, horse riding I never stopped being the chauffeur. College, university the usual they moved away and I was working full time then my husband became ill and I was working, doing exams at adult education, looking after him and I was a Guide Leader! Phew. Then the girls came home!

I was back working, adult education, husband was better but not 100%, Guides, swimming, going away for work; busy, busy, busy. One daughter left and had a baby with her partner the other was never there. Out of the blue I had a stroke. I became reliant on others and was not the carer anymore. Gave up work as I couldn't cope.

Life was so different, from being in charge I was the 'patient.' Since then I have got worse with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, diabetes, degeneration of my lumbar area and herniated disc in the neck and other health problems. It is devastating when you have been so busy. The problem is not just the pain, inflammation it is the fatigue that gets so bad. I have to use a wheelchair which means I am pushed around and no independence.

We do take the grandchildren that live with us out and about but it isn't like when they go out with their parents. I can do crafts with them and they always want to 'make something' I have made some bracelets, saying rheumatoid arthritis, I have diabetes and I have asthma. Also some keyrings for my daughters with their childrens' names on them. My older gd wants one saying 'I love mummy' and my older gs wants one with his best friend's name on it! So out come the alphabet beads and elastic I feel useful again! I make cards too and my favourite hobby is photography. I use my pictures for cards too.

I get hugs and kisses from the grandchildren and the little one of 28mths always picks me wild flowers when he and his mum go to get the bread in the village. It takes ages to walk back apparently as he stops to pick dandelions! Lovely gift and I have to put them in water!!!

I make bread my bread in the bread maker my husband loves it and helps me by weighing flour and getting the water. I make cakes with his and he or the gc help with that especially as the children always want mamie's cake or biscuits.

Being needed is very important, for me and for them.

j04
Ditto!

My purpose in life today is to get off this 'puter and get some sun - while it's out!

Rosedia - it is good that you are able to take your MIL on holiday, but surely it is time for you to have some time to yourself. Could she not stay with your child/children for a week to give you a break? After all, you obviously do a lot of running around for them. Have you ever suggested that they might help you out now and again?

Hi Anagram

I do not really get any breaks.
My mother in law is a fan of the 60's and 70's which is the music I like.
Often she spots the break before I do and wants me to take her.
We tend to go away for 3 / 4 day breaks.
A few weeks she spotted a Dusty Springfield tribute break but it was on a chalet park with dinner bed and breakfast included.
I was a little bothered on how we would get on as it was a chalet park.
Warners put us in the nearest chalet to the entertainment and roped off a parking space for us.
Other holiday makers came for walks with us and helped push the wheel chair on longer walks.
My mother in law can walk about a four hundreds yards and then needs a rest and then walks another 400.
The holiday went well.
The only compromise we had to make was we had to go in a standard chalet which will be refurbished at the end of this year but they said that chalet will be top class if we go next year.

Rose

Rose if you need to be told you are allowed to go we hereby give you permission to spoil yourselfxxxx

Now now soop and greatnan play nicely girls
It is nice to be needed rose...much better to be wanted as well....go on your cruise and have your fun come home refreshed,they will manage without you,if you become Ill who will look after you,if you wasn't around they would have to cope.

I'm sure they all appreciate you, Rosedia - although it must be very hard work. You are entitled to a break; do you get any help with caring for your MIL?

Great Watch it! My big grandson is 6' 2.5"...so there...and, he's very broad shouldered and ...........

I am a gran and I am 60 and widowed.
I have cared for my father and I am caring for my mother in law.
I also take my grandchildren to hospitals, dentists etc.
Really it would be difficult for me to go away for more than a week and people do say I should go on a round the world cruise etc.
I do think I am lucky to have a family even though they cause problems.

Rose

My mother is tougher than your mother (Oh, no, she is dead - well, I will bring my big grandsons, so there!

Greatnan...shall tell my Mum...!

Go away, soop - she is my mate, not yours and if you don't agree I will meet you in the playground after school.