I find myself envying you a bit. You had your kids at a young age, and close together. They both took flight from the nest (successfully) around age 18. You are still young enough to enjoy travel and other adventures as an empty-nester.

My life didn't work out that way. I had my kids when I was older, and they were spaced farther apart. Due to assorted circumstances, only one of them became permanently independent at age 18. Now my husband's health is deteriorating and he refuses to travel anywhere. I struggle with fatigue, but am still game to go places and do things as long as I can take a nap. My future doesn't look very pleasant. I am accustomed to being an upbeat, positive-thinking person, but I feel myself slipping into a pattern of glumness and depression. It's frustrating.

End of whine. It could be worse. I'm not in a wheelchair. All of my senses still work. I can drive. I have friends, and I have three wonderful grandchildren. There's hope.