Marie – What’s important for parents to understand?

Well, with my mother, she was primary caregiver initially after my accident.  You know, I can remember being in the hospital, and I was afraid to breathe until I would see her, just so unbelievably needy.  It was hard on both of us, I needed to break free, I needed to start developing my own routine, and being independent without her.  As a mother, I think she wanted do everything and be there for me to try and ease my pain.  And as a young woman, wanting to make it in this life, even with a disability, I needed to feel my own way.  It was hard on both sides.  I didn’t want to have to be a 22-year-old, or 23-year-old married woman needing her mom so much.