Thanks to everyone who has answered me. It sounds like everything that I WOULD NEED has been mentioned here...

Veronica -->> helmet......"check".

I know what it is-----

I need to learn how to change a tire - fix a flat, etc... (this must be where my anxiety is coming from...).
To be honest , I don't know the first thing about changing a tire.

I'm really pretty panicked about this. This has to be the real reason I won't go riding on my own.....

I know that Sheldon Brown has lots of great articles, etc..... Perhaps I can find what I need there.

Thanks again everyone. Have a great night!

Denise