Toughest time I've ever had has been during the past year (12 months) or so. If it could go wrong, it did. Name it. But people have been beautiful. I have always been somewhat of a loner. I don't feel bad about that. It's a statement of fact with which I am comfortable. However, because I'm occasionally perceived to be stand-offish, I don't develop lots of friendships. I don't dislike people (in fact, I enjoy their thoughts and ideas), but I tend to be introspective and subsequently fairly quiet even at a party. A Catter wrote something that grabbed my heart on a thread, and I wrote to express my concern. That individual has written me many beautiful thoughts and shared some of his life story with me. In the time I have had to post to the 'cat, to read the thinking and arguments of others, I have made about a dozen friends here. They have been a God-send to me. When I look at tough times, and when I feel like giving up, I know there is someone who will really know what I mean when I stumble around with words. Folks, it really doesn't get much better than that.