My son is 8 and I am already worrying about when he reaches adulthood and wants his independence.  I understand completely about family not understanding.  When my son was 3 he was taken to the ER with the flu.  We stopped at a small hospital because his eyes started rolling back into his head and we didn't think we could make it to the Children's Hospital.  My son was totally unresponsive, even while they were trying to start an IV.  We called both G-parents.  We truly thought we were losing him and relayed this to family.  My husbands parents said they were busy and everything would be fine.  I will never forget my husband hanging up the phone sobbing and saying they weren't coming.  My parents on the other hand beat the life flight helicopter to Children's.  I am just thankful that my parents get it.