hmmm...that sucks and I am mad with you.

I guess history has shown that most people with great ideas are often on their own - especially in the beginning.

Here's the thing. Its your dream and your decision, right? Go for it. When people see you earnestly working at it, I believe they will concede. There is nothing more inspiring than an earnest student.

I know that some of the most important things I have ever done have been alone. Ultimately support is great. But, it should not be a deal breaker for you.

In terms of your family "pitching in". If things start to fall apart and no one is picking up the pieces, I say -- let them fall. That will do several things; show your family how much you do and illustrate to them their own obstinance. A good thought (I think) is, if you start to change things, things will change. You have to expect that. Allow them to change for good and bad. The process will work out the rest.

I don't know you but I am very *proud* of you and support you fully. Please let us know how you progress so that we can continue to bask in the glow of your success!

Thank you! I am going for it. Hopefully everything will work out. Its just a lot to juggle without help- a dog, AND a 7 mo old puppy a full time job, the house, etc. Plus an ailing, demanding 82 year old mother.

Thanks for your support!

Dawn:

Shoot for the stars!!!

I have worked in RT for 27 years now. In that time I have done many things, everything from cradle to the grave care....neo-peds to rehab and now education. It is a wonderful diverse profession!!!

Been there...its hard but doable. Next door neighbor kids are great for helping out with dogs! I have two. Also, had an ailing, aging mom (who died recently) who was extremely self-centered in her needs. You *can* get home care for a decent price -- part time. (I'm sorry, I hope this isn't mean, but the part about her laughing at you just makes me mad. I bet its because she knows that means you would have less attention to give her.)

Families sometimes manipulate members to fulfill their own agendas. I would say its human nature on many levels. I would also say just from the little I have read of you -- that you are a caretaker and probably do a lot for your peeps. It is inherently threatening to have a caretaker move their care elsewhere. I don't think malice is actually involved in this (usually) -- just fear of change.

You are right about Mom. Fortunately right now my brother is actually spending time with her practically daily- but it doesn't take the heat off me. She is VERY upset I am not over there all the time. I have a 7 mo old puppy and they aren't allowed in her 55+ trailer park. I am NOT leaving the puppy caged up just to feed Mom's demanding attitude. Last time I went I ttok the dog, Mom grabbed her leash and the dog tried to follow me and Mom claimed her finger was broken (not even bruised by the way- I checked back a few days later) Now she says, maybe you can come here when your dog is better behaved. Go to Hades lady, My dog is very well trained. She has bad separation anxiety and you were warned about it and told if she pulled to drop the leash. (I have a 63 pound German Shepherd puppy)

You are also right about me being a caretaker........

It will work out. I just have to ignore them all.

Thanks!

Dawn

This is an updated form of another string from thread I started. Just wanted to follow up with the folks who encouraged me! Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement! I took my placement exams and saw my counselor. I missed the deadline to enter the respiratory care program for this year but am going to jump in and start with the courses I can take.

As an aside.....here is where the lack of encouragement and support shoes up. I called my husband excitedly to tell him I didn't have to go to remedial math (I really, really thought I would and perhaps should). His answer? He laughed and said, "Well hey! Good guessing at the answers!" How MEAN. (I aced the reading and writing and this was not a surprise to him.)

I will be taking an Algebra and Geometry class at the college as well as Medical Terminology and Introduction to Psychology on line.

So, thanks again everyone for the support, encouragement and suggestions!

Dawn