Tears can be so healing, honey. I am often struck at how many people do not like to cry in front of people. We feel we must apologize for a natural thing, just as a woman might apologize for nursing in public, another natural function of our bodies; both can be so important for us. If someone gives you a dirty look when you're crying just know they are not being honest with themselves and their own need to cry/vent/let go...crying can equal letting go which signifies a release of control, which can be another good sign in one's faith.

I think you made an interesting typo: ...as my birth approaches this year.. Just as Spaw has had a "new" birthday dating from his heart surgery and I have kind of counted mine from when I had heart surgery as we both were kind of "reborn" so may you feel a new "birth" leaving all of this hard work behind as you heal up!

luvyakat