I have been worrying for almost two decades about my children and everything that has to do with their safety and well-being. It feels like I've been standing with my arms outstretched for so long I don't know what it feels like to have them swinging at my sides. I'm completely exhausted from being 'on'. I actually dream of running away but I feel like I'm filled with layers and layers of worrying from being the one that makes sure everyone is okay and that everything gets done. It feels like I'm turning into stone. I even find it hard to get excited about what my kids are doing and that makes me worry even more that they'll remember me as a cranky old woman. I guess I'm wondering if this is just a phase or is this what happens to us.  Sorry to be such a drag but I'm just too tired to pretend to be perky like I used to.