Beautifully put, Kendall.

Khandu, sorry I wasn't here earlier, since we are packing and moving it has been one of those weeks and I just had a chance to sit down and read this whole thread.

I ahve always had ups and downs, some very traumatic and life-threatening, but the one thing that always helped me was to be able look at a situation and figure out what I might have learned from it, then move on. It's kept me from repeating some awful mistakes and helped me meet new challenges with experience and determination.

In the past 2 years, my dear, beloved mother-in-law passed away suddenly, my own dear mother died unexpectedly, my old dog had to be put down, two cats dies of old age, and my youngest daughter moved out in a rage of that "I know everything" phase, then nearly didn't communicate with us for almost all of those two years, even being in the same town.

Three years ago a heart condition became worse so that I've been tethered, like an astronaut on a spacewalk, to an oxygen bottle or concentrator. Humour has helped me cope with that a lot, esp. figuring out which cat was overcome with attack nibblies putting holes in my plactic line, thus cutting my air supply! Now they just ignore it and I am on my way to getting better.

Everyone here has said so much of value and insight. I am glad you let us know how you were feeling and that you found it helpful. We are all a pretty good lot, aren't we?

Alice, I am sorry, I only knew about your parents and aunt. I am sorry to hear of the others, too. Also, have been wondering how this year was going for you. Good to see you here.

kat