i know we chatted a few times on antenna since this arose. i was glad i could talk to you, even though i didn't know what to say. in fact there is really nothing one can say in that situation. it is good to know that i could be there for you (and will continue to be). i was at a social worker's conferrence recently and a psychiatrist was a guest speaker. he quoted an old phase that stuck with me:

"Nothing is as horrible as we feared nor as great as we hoped for."

the point being that all things lie somewhere in the middle, somehow manageable, even when there seems there is no hope at the time. easy for him to say, i know.

please take care of yourself noel. i am sure i would lose my apetite and sleep and hope and everything if i were put in that situation. the best way to help your children through this is for them to see daddy taking care of himself. another easy thing to say.

anyway, keep in touch. we should all meet in chicago or detroit when the church comes. the sushi is on Hanani!

jim