Barbara Walker:  

Life Where to start? Make a long story short? I had two kids before I was 20. A girl and a boy. They've given me four fantastic grandchildren, 3 girls, 1 boy. Ages 12, 17, 21 and 24. I also have an 18 mo. old great grandson. In 1986, I was injured at work. What I thought was a simple strain turned into a nightmare. Eight surgeries later, I can walk, but have chronic back pain. Was bed-ridden for a few years. In 1997, my neck was fractured in an accident. Facing paralysis from the neck down, I found a surgeon willing to "give it a go" and after wearing a "halo" three different times and having a metal plate with four screws, holding it together inside, I am able to walk. Just don't ask me to look up or to the right or left very far!! I also have chronic pain in my neck. For these reasons, I am unable to work any longer. This also means I am unable to do so many of the things I used to do in life that gave me much pleasure and joy. I can no longer play softball or ride motorcycles in the desert or go on rides at amusement parks. I am fortunate in that I am very close to my grandkids and they have been instrumental in keeping me going. They give me so much joy. Helping to raise them, kept me very busy. Not being able to work,...Expand for more