Helen, maybe you've been concentrating on too much character improvement! My notion is that we get what we wish for- in a universe that doesn't listen to nuances. Sometimes we just get dumped on.

Courage, patience, love, persistence, frugality and budgeting, the ability to smile through it all- All of these qualities are internalized by being confronted by their opposites- courage by scary situations, patience by frustration, love by testing, persistence by threats, frugality and budgeting by financial stress, smiles by situations that cause tears.

It makes sense that we should want these qualities-but let's not work on them all at the same time!

A bit touch in cheek but...

My deepest sympathies.

Ebbie