Thank you all, your thoughts and prayers are most appreciated.

Wendy: Yes, bone marrow aspiration is probably the most difficult procedure for Evie, and she's had many procedures over the last while. She's had a couple of spinal taps as well, and remarks that bone marrow is indeed the more painful of the two. I have not heard of chronic meningitis. It sounds rather frightening!

Awakening: Sorry to hear of your family members with cancer, however very courageous of you to care for them on your own. It's sadly all too common that one sibling is saddled with the majority of caretaking responsibilites. Jim and I faced the same issue with his mother, with her Alzheimers. None of the other children were willing to care for her, so the task fell upon us.

Anthony: Thank you once again for your very kind words. And no, we have never found you to be cranky! :tongue: Quite pleasant, actually. I must admit to being selfish in that I am exceedingly grateful I was not present for Evie's aspiration. I simply can't stand seeing any of my children or grandchildren in pain, regardless of age or cause. It never becomes easier no matter how old they are. I find myself feeling so very guilty when I see them in pain, my first thought is always what a bad mother I've been, I think back to times when I've been cross with them and so on, and feel badly about it. It is rather silly, however automatic. And regarding taking time for ourselves, yes we have resumed going on our "date night" once weekly. Though there is not much to do out here in the country, but we do spend at least that one evening alone together. We are quite jealous of it, as it does help us get through the rest of the week.