Captain,

I read your thread earlier, and honestly did not know how to respond, so I didn't.
It's not a lack of caring, it's simply the fact that I am LOUSY at offering condolences and cheering people up.

Hopefully your contracting work will develop new leads, and I'm sure you won't have any problems getting another job. Maybe you'll find that you like contract work better and make it your own business? You never know what life will give you for opportunities.