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My mom was sort of the same way, but she eventually gave in to the fact that she needs the help. I think it's got to be awfully hard to give up your independence like that, and maybe it's not fighting reality so much as fighting the MS (or the idea of it) as far as they're concerned. But then again, that's just my perspective. Have you tried talking to them? What exactly are they doing to make things harder on themselves?

Talking with them is an understatement. I have tried everything in the book. I completely understand giving up the independence and I cannot even imagine what it would be like to go through the later stages of a disease like MS. Getting through a disease like MS in a positive manner for a family is based on communication and working together. To start, my parents have a terrible marriage and that does not help anything. Little things like moving to a handicap accessible house (they can afford it) or bringing in someone part time to help my dad are a few examples. My mom has heart problems and is running herself into the ground, yet she has never made a decision in the family as my father is very controlling so she is unable to take the "bull by the horn" and make a decision and go through with it. When I step in she plays both sides and will not back me enough to get changes put into action. Someone told me recently, "you have to treat your parents like teenagers" and let them do what they want to do. It is so true, but from a son's perspective it is tough emotionally to see them go through this and purposefully not helping themselves because they almost do not want to be happy and enjoy life. Further, it puts additional responsibility and stress on me for no reason.