It somehow doesn't feel "fair" to me here, to have started this thread and have to pause for so long before continuing.

Any of you who have been through trauma know that the key is to approach that page slowly, and fully focused...regardless of how long ago the events occured..and to back off the page to deep breathe when you need to "regroup".

This is tough stuff for me to write....BUT VERY healthy for me to be doing. I'm running off to work and won't be back until Sat. afternoon..after which I need to sleep....and re-focus.

With your indulgence I'll try to continue over the week-end. In the meantime I've been absorbing and ingesting these incredible supportive comments here. If you have ever wondered what makes Mudcats such a special community, go back and re-read the wisdom, kindnesses, understanding and gentleness in these posts.
thank you for them...