Kathy, I agree that all of you need a break. There is a constant stress that goes with not belonging to a majority culture that can wear you down in you let it. Swedes like to think of themselves as a prejudiceless people, but they are really about as bad as any I have met. I finally had to decide here that, you know, I wilo never be able to be a Swede. 1. I'm too Celtic: too dark, too red skin, eyes wrong color blue. (I get accused of coming from Banyaluka!) I don't ethnically fit in 2: I would not feel good for being a Swede 3. Sweden would not do any better by my becoming a Swede. No one is served by us trying to be what we aren't.
I know that doesn't take the pain out of these people's idioty. Myself, I just want to ask you and your husband to hang in there and encourage you as best I can. Also, I am grateful for the service and the sacrifice you son is giving for us. Please extend to him my heart felt thanks and sympathy for his pain as well. Huggs. Your rants are well understood.