I'm living through a major setback right now. Actually, a whole bunch of them. My boss, whom I just love, is dying of cancer. I spent a day and a half in the hospital two weeks ago, because of chest pain (not a heart attack, thank god). I'm scheduled for a chemical stress test on wednesday. I'm contemplating filing bankruptcy. My right hip arthritis has advanced to moderate/severe. Spinal stenosis is causing this crappy burning in my left leg. My cholesterol level is 236. I have a recurrence of Dupuytren's Contracture in my left hand, at the base of my thumb. My fractured vertebrae (boating accident almost one year ago), at T-11, is causing me all kinds of grief, and I'm scheduled for another bone scan on monday to see if there is any bone activity along my spine.
But, life goes on. I have a very good job, pays over $70K/year (but the debts are killing me). I have two fabulous kids. A gigundo German Shepherd that I just love. A twin sister who is my touchstone. A wonderful little country cottage where I live. What I'm trying to say is that when I start feeling overwhelmed with the crap, I think of the good stuff, of which I really do have lots. Now, if only I can find a wonderful guy with a winning lottery ticket......

Just kidding..... He doesn't have to be wonderful.

Just kidding again......
Joe, trust me, you ain't alone. My life is so up and down, it's dizzying. I was in NYC last weekend to visit my uncle. He is one of my most favorite people, and when life grinds me down, he is the most uplifting person there is. Joe, I hope your new girlfriend turns out to be the person in your life that you can really lean on, trust implicitly, gain strength from. Hang tough, man. You are not alone.