BS: Black room is getting me

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 14 - 07:30 AM

Part of it's the need to keep a sense of proportion: duty is one thing, becoming a pain in the arse another. The world is full of people who, because they take themselves and everyone else seriously, fail to remember that they are all human, fallible, and thereby the cause of an infinite number of pratfalls which make far more people merry - if they'll allow themselves to be. But no, they shut themselves up in their own little world of pain and isolation, and it's part of the folksinger's art, above all else, to break that apart. But to get through we have to have been there, and so a bit of that kind of experience is cash in the bank!

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 28 May 14 - 08:53 PM

Even though this thread is an old one, the suggestions are still helpful, and Claire, I'm glad you have found some ways to deal with the stress in your life.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Bill D
Date: 28 May 14 - 04:54 PM

Claire... this thread is 10 years old. Not sure how you found it, but many who posted are not even here anymore.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Claire M
Date: 28 May 14 - 03:01 PM

Hiya!! That's true – there *are * people worse off, physically, mentally (or both) but that doesn't help me. Flatmates also have assorted problems, I can't really chat to a lot of them, nor would I want them to know all about me.

I had imaginary friends too, Helen. Still have a couple actually, although I call them anything but. Most are musicians, both living & dead. I am nearly 31 y/o. People talk to God, don't they? This type of thing was/is no different. I'm never bored & I'm happy w/ or w/o company

Actually I *like * the "pull yer socks up" way of thinking. I also keep a journal, amongst reminders of what's on tv, pix I like etc. there's "I'm stressed!"

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Hollowfox
Date: 05 Jan 04 - 07:48 PM

I just caught this thread, os of course, I just had to put in my $.02 worth. Simply getting yourself to move helps. This is an old cure, going back to Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy (written a couple of centuries ago. It doesn't have to be much, but walking around a bit helps a lot. One thing that's helped me through bad patches is to not only do some small thing (a bit of dishwashing, etc( but to write it down. ot an elaborate journal or anything, just a sheet of notebook paper will do. I find that I forget that I've accomplished anything, until I look at the paper and see that, yes, I did get something done yesterday.
And of course, I'll fire up an official purebred midwest @$#%-reduction candle in a few minutes when I get home from work.
Remember that you did an important first step in getting out of this room when you posted. Take care, Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Helen
Date: 05 Jan 04 - 04:52 PM

Okay, message received, Walking Eagle. We have your permission to stop worrying about you now, and just let you get on with it.

Love & hugs,
Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 05 Jan 04 - 03:49 PM

I do thank all of you for your helpa and concern. I have a plan of action now based on many of your suggestions and a few from my oncologist. So let's just say, 'Good job done here' and get on to something else.

My best,
Walking Eagle

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 05 Jan 04 - 06:13 AM

Foolestroupe, it was Peter Jones who did the "Warm, friendly voice-overs".
How's it going, Walking Eagle ??

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Jan 04 - 03:33 AM

Ah! The Navy Lark!

The Admiral bringing the destroyer into port: "Left hand up a bit, right hand up a bit, left hand up a bit..."

Dead Ringers is shown on ABC TV in OZ, didn't know the had a Radoi version. Love the Dr Who sendups...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 07:06 PM

If you are in the UK and can get digital radio, I thoroughly recommend BBC Radio 7. It plays all manner of stuff from the Navy Lark to Dead Ringers and is brilliant for cheering up a dull day.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 06:05 PM

I experienced severe paradoxical reactions from the couple that the doctor tried on me. As well as other nasty side effects.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 05:56 PM

WE, I don't know what your personal habits are, but I love to paint my nails! I mean, I do that every Sunday night anyway, but when I'm feeling pitiful, I make SURE I take the time to do it. If you're not a nail-painter, just take time to do some other little something for yourself. Takes your mind off your troubles for a little while.

I know people have differing opinions/experiences regarding antidepressants, but mine have been very good to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 05:38 PM

I was about to say what Mary garvey said...

BTW, another wonderful radio program from the BBC (might be some selections on tape or CD) is "Just a minute" which ran for years - Peter ??? - the guy who did the voice over for the Douglas Adams series of books when they were on Radio - Kenneth Williams, Derek Nimmo, and others -

You have to talk for a minute on the given subject - no preparation. You can challenge the current speaker on the grounds of repetition, deviation, or hesitstion, if successful you get a point and take over the subject - if not, they get a point and keep talking.

Makes some of the Mudcat thread creep seem trivial.... and Kenneth Williams' "tantrums" are hysterical.

the ABC play them onece a week at 5:30 am - I was awake that early this morning. I can never stay down while listening to this show.

While not "comedy" - it shows intense wit, and thinking on one's feet, and is very funny and totally unscripted.

I do believe that they were treated to a "good dinner" just before hand - including some alcohol.... :-)

Would make a great party game for a Mudcat gathering...

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: mg
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 02:48 PM

I think you are not supposed to take St. John's Wort with other medications for depression...better run that one by your doctor...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 02:23 PM

Creative Types-- sometimes we just need to drift, in between passionate inspirations. It can be easy to mistake this for depression, or the early part of the black room cycle... it can feel very odd to "lose" the passion, especially if you have been using it (abusing it) to get energy for running everything else. But sometimes a little nesting is in order, and if the inner tapes tell you that you are slacking, they may need to be reassured to shut up thankyouverymuch. It's important to be able to distinguish between the inner voice of moving forward and the inner voice of beating yourself up or being scared unnecessarily. A pattern of trusting your gut and acting on what it tells you soon results in useful hindsight for guidance.

Sometimes we are already doing exactly what we most need to do, and it just doesn't feel like that.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST, heric
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 02:15 PM

On page 177 of the novel Life of Pi the sufferer takes notice that his suffering is "taking place in a grand setting."

Don't know if that helps at all. You have been tested far more than I ever have and hence are living it at a higher level than I can address. But I thought of you when I read that line last night.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Amos
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 01:50 PM

I have found that regular bunches of St John's Wort seriously aids emotional stability and gives a general lift. It is coming to be viewed as an organic substitute for Prozac in dealing with depression, in some professional circles, or so I understand,.   I have found it gently effective. I've been dropping 1200 mg per diem. Of course YMMV; but I urge you to try it, WE.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 11:20 AM

WE,

Lots of excellent advice.

But...

Don't want to get too personal but do your meds include some of the powerful modern psychotropics for clinical depression? They can work wonders but can require frequent careful "fine tuning". If it really "looks as though the 'room' is going to get me" you need to contact your physician IMMEDIATELY.

Don't want to cast any doubts on your physician, but is s/he a psychiatrist with expertise in psychotropics? It is a very tricky area changing on a daily basis and can require careful coordination and constant monitoring of multiple products.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 06:57 AM

BTW, I should have said in the other previous message - if you like the Goons, you just might like The Fooles Troupe (link above) - what do you think one of it's major influences was?

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 06:49 AM

I see a red door and I want to paint it black!
No colours.... etc

Must track down the words and chords for that sometime...

BTW, the BBC have Monty Python - most Goon lovers can cope with them (but many americans could not!) - they put out LP's - probably CD's now available.

BBC also has lots of other humourous spoken word stuff - see a local agent that carries their stuff or go to their website - I think it's something like BBC.co.uk

Look for My Word, My Music is quite good too - Hancock's Half Hour - he suffered terribly from depression, and could make his stage displayed depression hysterically funny... lots of others I can't remember. The stuff from the 1950-60's was quite good.

also monologues.co.uk I think - has lots of humourous monologes - many classics - look for the female ones.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Mudlark
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 02:55 AM

Hope you have found the way out of the black room...lots of good suggestions here for both garden variety and clinical depression. Figuring out trigger is usually a big step on the way back to the light.

Talk, exercise, humor, all important. I also spend some time reading back thru my journals. Sometimes it helps me to viscerally realize that I've been here before and have always managed a way out, and that in fact I've often coped very well. In the midst of depression that is hard for me to remember.

Take care of yourself....

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 02:06 AM

Seems this thread is being pointed at more than one sufferer!

Walking - if you need to shovel something, I have a room full of crap that needs sorting! I could start my own paper recycling factory with the crap I have here. My job for today is to find the floor for long enough to put everything from the sofabed onto it.

I might even find the computer mice I've lost.... that's the trouble with cordless devices.

Take care, and remember, our services are (practically) free and available 24/7. And you can always check into the NYCFTS for a while (that's the Mudcat's own virtual clinic, the Neil Young Centre for the Terminally Screwed - very popular at times here!).

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: bbc
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:48 PM

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time. I've been feeling down, myself, lately. Though it may not be the same in degree as what you are experiencing, I know that it is hard to get out of. At a time when one should probably seek out contact w/ others, I don't feel like going out, don't feel like picking up the phone. It makes me feel less productive in every aspect of my life. And it doesn't seem to help to tell myself how much I have to be thankful for (& I know I *do* have a lot!). The feeling remains. I believe it will pass, for me, &, I hope, for you. Until then, do what you can & be kind to yourself. Seek out some simple pleasures--foods you enjoy, a game, show, book, etc. that entertains you, comfy clothes & bedcovers, beautiful scenery. Eventually, something will remind you how "good" feels. You are doing a very helpful thing reaching out here. All over the world, we hear you & we care. Keep it up!

best from NY,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 08:25 PM

I LOVED the Goon Show! I'll check into it. Sinsull, we'll BOTH make it.



W.E.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 06:34 PM

Thanks to you, Walking Eagle, I am back on track. I read through this thread and did everything that was applicable to me. I added one, too. Despite crappy weather, I got up at the crack of dawn and went out for breakfast with a friend thus avoiding waking post noon and bitching that the day was over (as if it should have waited for me). i shoveled snow, played fetch with a dog, sang to myself, and layed out some small tasks which I tackled one at a time. The satisfaction of crossing them off the list is a real boost.

I too am wondering if I need to rethink my medication. As I said above, it has been years since I have gone into this deep a depression for so long. More than likely, thestress oif the new job is behind it.

I know it has already been said but keep in mind that your recent illness (or repeat of an old illness) has taken a lot out of you physically and emotionally. Stay strong. It will pass.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 06:22 PM

Really, laughter does help - that's why I have so much of the comedy stuff around... it stimulates endorphins, which is faster and cheaper than medication. And they help you heal.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Tinker
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 02:29 PM

Wandering through threads can be a good path... I found this old thread while searching for a tales the other day. Perhaps while you're waiting for things to level out you might want to take a seat by the fire. In fact, I bet The Fair One would let you put your cold feet upon his chest while Mick tells another tale.....

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 01:53 PM

Walking Eagle, as many things as you have gone through- and are inevitably affected by- you could write a book on how to manage. Give yourself a lot of credit- your spirit shines. It's not surprising that from time to time your energy flags.

I've never been diagnosed with clinical depression but the ordinary human contrariness that is common to our lot I call 'poisoning my own well'. And that is something I can control.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 01:26 PM

Many thanks to all of you. I think I may have pin pointed part of the problem and I intend to talk to my doctor about it. Adjusting medication levels. When I'm a bit better, I intend to start meditating again. And my guitars and dulcimers are calling! Funny thing about depression, you give up the things that you love best first.

Again, many thanks 'catter critters.

W.E.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 12:09 PM

play yer musical instrument...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: harpgirl
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:59 AM

Light is very important to mood, Walking Eagle! I agree to get outdoors. Indoors, you don't really need a special full spectrum light for mood improvement, just about four florescent lights with a total of 10,000 lumins that will shine into your eyes, which is how the benefits are absorbed. Good luck, sweety!

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: freda underhill
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:41 AM

re visualisation
i had my bedroom at home painted purple - with shocking pink ceiling & doors. Curtains are various shades of pink, bedlinen various shades of pink & purple. through filmy violet netting over woindows, i see beautiful green leaves from my from garden.

it's a lovely relaxing place, like going in to another world..

nice room to blob out in..

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:39 AM

Julie.

You said you can't do any of these things.

How come?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: smallpiper
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:04 AM

WE read my pm do the exercise and let us know how you feel afterwards

the other thing you could do with the viualisation is to paint the black room in many different bright colours.

Remember what has already been said in the above posts there are many that know you and care for you there are even more who don't know you but still care for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 08:12 AM

Spike Milligan used to suffer from depression. He scripted the Goon Show - you can get tapes - probably CDs now too from the BBC - but not too sure how available they are int eh USA. They can be listened to for 40 years without losing their humour - especially if you keep them for those times.

If really bored you could visit

The Virtual Fooles Troupe

The Most Popular History On Show! (about 200 pages worth of assorted Tom Foolery - although Tom is no longer with them, having now gone on to bigger and better things...)
A witty, humorous romp through the Comedy of the Elizabethan and Medieval Theater


Robin Hayes
The Author...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 06:50 AM

Walking Eagle, I have nothing to add to the warm and wise advice you've received here. But know that you are being loved and held in the hearts of many, many folks here. We are thinking of you, holding you in the light, and waitig with you while the dark time lasts.

When my Byron died, just knowing how many people all over the world were holding me and caring for me kept me going.

Take care,

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: khandu
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 11:21 PM

Know that many who have not met you in the "real" world are caring, crying, hurting, encouraging & praying for you RIGHT NOW!!

I read this thread & shed tears for you, Walking Eagle. Then I got ANGRY!!!! I know that damned room & I hate it! I absolutely loathe it!

You are bigger than that damned room! And you are worth more than you are feeling at the moment. And you are definitely worth my prayers & the prayers of many others, which you are getting RIGHT NOW!!

One more thing, Walking Eagle,...I love you & so do many others here at Mudcat!

You are coming out of that damned room!

Ken

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 10:22 PM

Ahhh, smoke some pot, take a good long walk tomorrow, listen to some good music, write a song or poem about yer feelings, thank Gof fir all the good stuff that has happened in yer life, get a good night's sleep and repeat it again tomorrow...

Okay, maybe with out the pot...

And know, this will pass!!! It will pass!!!! It will pass!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobert

p.s. There ain't no where in the Bible (new Testament ot Old) that says ya can't occasionally (or more) smoke a little weed. Hey, God put it here, dangit!!! That's my story but, Walking Eagle...

... it *will* pass....

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:33 PM

Walking Eagle - take up the artificial smile advice now! It has scientific backing. The muscles at the corner of your mouth that you use to smile give direct feedback to the brain. I have tested it - going around with a silly "I'm a member of a really happy braindead cult" look on my face makes me feel as if I do.

Seriously, I do know how it feels where you are, and I have a friend who gets in much deeper. I have written out timetables with short completable jobs (as Amos suggests) interspersed with little rewards like cups of tea, or listening to a good piece of music. Then I don't have to decide what to do until I've worked through, and I can't just sit and let the darkness overwhelm me, because I've got to get onto the next thing. If you can't get to do that, ask someone to help you make the list.

When I'm really down, I clean the oven.

Also, keep in mind how you came out of it last time. I've noticed that memory seems to loop up so that you can only access the dark times when you're in one, and it's really hard to remember that the last one passed, and so did the one before.

Visualise the doorway from the room, out into somewhere bright.

I was on another board where people were playing with the idea that lights were actually Dark Suckers - won't bother to explain why, but try visualising something sucking all the darkness out of there.

Go out and dig or shovel something - snow would be ideal - it's very bright, and the air is bracing, and the work feels good.

Remember that there are really positive aspects to being depressive - I can't remember what they are at the moment, but there are, or else there wouldn't be so many of us around. (Probably something to do with creativity, and the number of events in the brain.)

Read something trivial and funny. I use Geoffrey Willan's and Ronald Searle's Molesworth books - they are dip-in books so it's easy to read in short bursts. Also Anthony Buckeridge's Jenning books. (I don't know why I go for schoolboy humour.)

Read something meditative and positive. Julian of Norwich. Or, in between, Rabbi Lionel Blue's books of short pieces with jokes.

Find some sort of serious talk radio to play very quietly while you try to sleep (can you get BBC World Service, well known over here for its soporific effects?) so you get interested in it but have to strain to hear it properly. Or some sort of spoken language tape.

Go out to the shops and chat to people - start them off and listen to them. Fill up the day with contacts and busyness. Do an internal running commentary on what you see and hear outside - but keep the focus external to you.

And remember we are all rooting for you.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:32 PM

Hey, Walking Eagle,

Listen to Sorcha, OK? She knows where she's comin' from. And, she knows where you're comin' from, too. I am at the computer for a few hours. If you feel like writing, I sure feel like reading.

brucie

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:28 PM

Thanks again catter critters. Brucie, I've heard those things so many times I could repeat them in my sleep! Made me smile though!

I do have professional help, but things are sort of complicated and she can only come to see me once a week.

Sorcha, I sent you a PM.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:03 PM

Ditto that.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:57 PM

Walking Eagle, PLEASE PM me...I have been there...and PLEASE promise me NOT to hut yourself today...tomorrow is another day, and you will have to promise again...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:54 PM

hi Walking Eagle..
immersing the body in cold water (sea, preferably or shower), can give your metabolism a kick start, and "clear away" bad vibes & cobwebs. i know it sounds tough - people with chronic fatigue have used it as a form of metabolic "rebirthing"

certainly easier to do in hot weather.
but when you haven't got the energy to get there - try this thread: Sgt Kat & her howling commandos!

it's another great laugh.

one thing is clear - you're not alone.

good luck and best wishes,
freda

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:42 PM

Hey, Walking Eagle, I thought you might enjoy some of these. They are remarks folks have made to various people who suffer from depression. I'm sure you've heard a few of them before. I know I have. Hope you get a kick outta them.

Pull your socks up
Just learn to smile more often
You don't LOOK depressed
Get over it!
It's not as bad as you think
Go to bed and you'll feel OK in the morning
But WHY do you feel down?
Why do you feel down? You have everything goin' for you
There are people worse off
You're taking things too seriously
Oh! You're in one of THOSE moods
I thought you were on medication. Why are you still acting this way?
So, what's the REASON for your depression?
You could change if you put your mind to it
It's just in your head. Snap out of it

I really wish I could help. I have some idea what you are going through, and the only gleam of light I can offer is this: You WILL start feeling better soon. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon. Please know that, from one who shares your pain. If you want to send a message to me just to talk, please do. I won't be back at the computer until early tomorrow--Alberta time--but I will get back to you, OK?

Bruce M

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:36 PM

Oh, if only the people around me knew about depression - one of them, my other manager, knows nothing at all, and is very VERY unhelpful. I'm one of two in our office who have had problems with this in the past. Her idea to make us feel happy and wanted and valued was to move our desks around just because her little pet wanted to sit where the other girl sits and thinks I don't do any work because she can't see me.

Something guaranteed to send one or both of us back over the edge, changing our routines and environments.

Having people around who know what is happening is sometimes worth all the Prozac in Hollywood.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: mg
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:29 PM

didn't you just go through a major health situation? If so, you are most likely depleted of just about everything..make sure to get as much protein and fat as your body needs..not sure what that is..good fats..lots of fish..coconut oil, butter, olive oil for starters...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:25 PM

McG of H's parting thought is a good one, Walking Eagle. Depression--the diagnosed type of depression (not the "I'm havin' a bad day" stuff) is a cast iron SOB. If you have a therapist available, that can help, big time. You didn't mention what meds you're taking, but it is possible your dose has to be adjusted BY THE PRESCRIBER. Do you have people around you or with you? If they understand the nature of depression, they may be able to help. I guess, in reality, that we all face it alone, but having others with us can be a big help. Wish I could be more of a help.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:24 PM

This time of year is somehow conducive to depression. I have gone for years without an episode but I have been slipping deeper and deeper into one over the past month.

Last night I dug through piles of dusty books to find my copy of "The Feeling Good Handbook". I hate the author. He is a smug self righteous egotist. I have even blackened out his teeth and crossed his eyes on the cover. But he does offer good, practical advice on how to reverse the process.

Play some music that you love. Sing out loud along with it. Do some simple exercise and tell yourself "I feel great!"

Keep in mind that you are not alone. Recognizing that you are depressed is the first step to getting out of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:22 PM

Remember that even that black room can be lit by the tiniest of star light.... Find just one pin hole and the search for the next part of the constellation... The door way is still there, it may just be on the other side. If your meds usually help they may need to be adjusted and levels rechecked.   This is a stressfull time of year for everyone and you've had more than your share lately. In fact give yourself some credit for coming in here and checking back in with us.

Holding hands in the dark is a good thing too.