Oh Steve, when my dad died last summer I just wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear for an indeterminate amount of time. I so rarely have the luxury to just be alone and I really needed it then. Ever since I have felt the need to be alone more often and sometimes it is hard to make people understand that. But sometimes you have to go ahead and take care of yourself - everyone else will come around later.

Two years ago the wife of a school-days friend was tragically killed in an auto accident. She was 4 months pregnant with a baby they didn't think they could have. Kathy was only in her early 30s and was truly a ray of sunshine. And I had the same thoughts as you - of all the people, why on earth Kathy, who meant so much to so many?

There are things we can never understand. I am sorry for you and your friend's family.

And you too, Sinsull.