[stephanienminnesota]

OMG. My aunt made me feel like the worst person in the world today. As you all know I had my baby yesterday very early. I am in the hospital. I may get to go home this weekend. Anyway...My grandfather died of ALS *better known as "Lou Gerhig's Disease" On July 1st 2003. 18 days before my wedding and before he was going to walk me down the aisle (Father passed away when I was 6.) It was completely devastating to me. Every year the last Saturday in September they have a walk to raise money to try to find a cure for this horrible debilatating disease. My family is doing the walk this Saturday. I would love to be there but I think my priorities are being here in the hospital with Julienne and then at home with Jordan, Jacob, and Justin. Jordan is taking this really hard seeing as to how he was soooo looking forward to finally getting the sister he's been asking for for a long time. Jacob doesn't quite understand what's going on yet. Justin well he just wants his mama home with him. She tells me I should be walking with the family b/c if I truly loved my grandpa that's what I'd do. I LOVED MY GRANDFATHER with my whole heart and then some. I just feel my priorities are elsewhere that day. Am I being wrong for not going to the walk this year when I have a child in the hospital that needs me and 3 at home that want to know what is happening to their sister and want their mother home b/c they are worried about her as well?????? Thank You to anyone that made it through that rant. You girls Rock!!!!

[DK615617]

I think your Aunt sounds really selfish!!!! How could anyone in your family expect you to go to the walk when you have a very premature baby who needs you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so angry that she would even bring it up!!! She should be supporting you, not tearing you down. Sometimes family really stinks!!!!
Hang in there, don't let her get to you. She obviously does not have your best interest at heart, or your children's. Your grandfather would want you to take care of your kiddos, especially that little tiny baby!
Hang in there. Hugs to you.

[mommy2067]

I completely agree with what Kasia has said...you not doing the walk in no way means you love your grandpa any less...GEESH!!! You definitely have other priorities right now and either she gets that or she doesn't...but you know where you need to be and do NOT feel in anyway guilty about not being there...your grandpa knows where you need to be....((((HUGS)))) to you...

[2girls]

Yep, your priorities right now are your children, and your Grandfather would be supporting that choice.
I am sorry your aunt is being so selfish, please try to not let her get to you. Right now you need to take care of you and those kiddo's.
(((HUGS)))

[DivasMomma]

I agree 100% with you and everyone else...you JUST had a baby....no matter what her size YOUR body needs time to heal before you can be out and about walking, no matter what the cause! This doesnt mean you love or miss your Gpop any less...you are going through a rough time and need to be there for all of your kids..period

[mcmama]

Does your Aunt have children? Let alone 4 of them?

Do you get much support from your family at all? Because reading your post, a few things jumped out at me. Dead father. Grandpa dies before the wedding after a long debilitation which consumes the family focus and attention. So what a perfect patsy you were for an abusive husband to isolate.

These walks for fundraising and awareness are annual events. They are not meant to replace ongoing family needs and milestones. There are many ways throughout the year to honor your grandpa by contributing to ALS research.

Stephanie, are you getting the help and support you need from your family, or are you raising four children and trying to keep an abusive husband away from you all by yourself?

[ahermitt]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!! Your Aunt is being a complete and utter boob! Anyone else who is not happy with you for not walking after GIVING BIRTH needs to sit down and shut up!!! Your children are your first priority especially since no one else seems to be looking out for them.

[skidoo_grl]

Our family does the walk yearly as well, we drive up(4 hours) for it. My grandpa fast away from ALS about 4 months after we did our 1st walk. I haven't gone the past couple years because of conflicting things. I don't think it means you love your grandfather any less, by any means. I am sure he would want you to be with your children. I hope your little girl gets better soon!

[mcmama]

Someone just PMd me and said "what abusive husband". And now reading the full story, I see you do have support from some folks.

Whose daddy is the guy in jail asking to see his kids, and did you marry him in 2003.....oh, I'm so confused, you have an amazing life! And your strength is truly remarkable.

And what a horror for your little girl to stop breathing. I pray she will be well. Your aunt is just in a state of total denial about everything.

[stephanienminnesota]

Thank You All. To answer some of the questions...1.) YES she does have children of her own, they are all grown. I would think she would understand what I'm going through seeing as to how her youngest one has Downs. Janet~ The guy wanting to see his kids is the guy I married in 2003. I just left him last year/beginning of this year. He is the 3 boys' father. And Thank you to the rest of you for the continued support.