Candace,

It's the season. I have a pity party every year and it starts from August 16th and continues through New Year's. It has to do with a number of sad circumstances that happened in my life beginning with the death of my mom in October of 1973, the fire that destroyed our home and killed my beloved grandfather two months later and ends witth my Dad's death in 1997. I've found that as the years go by, the pain and loneliness aren't as bad. It's also one of the reasons I miss my brother so much, as he lives in NC and I can only talk on the phone or email him (airfare is just too expensive). I'm hoping he'll keep his promise of a visit in the Spring. I do not want his last visit to be 6 years ago just before I relocated to MI.

I think we all understand the meaning and importance of family during these difficult times, and believe me, you are not alone.

I hope you try to have a wonderful Christmas. PM me again with your phone number (it got lost when I bought a new phone) I'll call you tonight. My shoulder is all yours.

As far as not having or in the prospect of finding a significant other, I hear ya girlfriend. It took many years for me to finally feel comfortable being alone.

Love and hugs, girlfriend

Donna and fur crew