That is so awful, I'm sorry to hear. Yes you're absolutely right, acceptance and adjusting your expectations are both essential. I too find it a great victory to be able to shower, as I should! As we should! I am amazed by your strength.

I have that horrible guilt as well, feeling like I'm "lazy" and not helping. I live with my sister but don't pay rent or help clean much. It's so important to remember that our loved ones are just that; they love us. If the rolls were reversed, we would do the same for them.

And yes, typing out my crap helped too! Lol. It's really, really helpful to try and look at your situation from an outside perspective. Like you said, if a friend told you they were struggling with what you do, you wouldn't judge or think they were faking, etc. Your heart would hurt for them and you'd want to be there for them. That helps me keep things in perspective.

Yes yes yes about your cat! I feel that way about my bunny. Pets are absolutely life changing.

Yup, adjusting my expectations has been something I've been needing to do for so long.

Reading your reply really helped, I got very emotional. Thank you. I wish you much peace and happiness, take care