I'm going to "reply" to myself because this isn't meant for anyone in particular but more to everyone in general.

You all can go ahead and argue, can extole your virtues, etc., but I remain firm in my beliefs. No one can change my mind except experience. Also, remember that I don't have any training in teaching or psychology so don't expect me to act as if I do. I do What I can However I can.

It seems everyone is blaming me for having been unfeeling and rude to Sky. Maybe I was but I surely wasn't the only one that shared the same feelings. And I certainly wasn't the rudest! That's okay. I'll take on responsibility for her words! I'm taking the blame for them already so I don't mind.

What all of you are unaware of is that Sky and I have communicated. There is movement there. We're not bossom buddies. But we've communicated. Darkeyes, I'm sure you remember when you and I were at odds with each other. We were both able to get past that.

Something else you may or may not be aware of; at least the incessant moaning and whining has stopped and there is another conversation going which can lead to changes in everyone. It's up to each individual what they make of it for themselves. Some will choose to crawl back into their hole but hopefully, some will recognize a spark of "fighting back" or "rebellion," whatever you want to call it, and use it as a catalyst to move forward... or at least roll over on the other cheek.

Some of you may be under the false assumption that I'm new at this. I'm not. I became aware of my problems over 20 years ago although I have lived with depression all of my life. I know that I am not so unique that I'm the only one that has ever benefited from a strong nudge to "do something!" There are certainly enough "stubborn, obstinant" people on this board. Sometimes that's the only way you can get us to move. All the strength and energy they are using to dig themselves in can be used to dig themselves out. Gentleness and sweet compassion won't achieve that with us.

Maybe in a few days or weeks some of you will realize that right now, this very minute, you are still operating from the "me" possition. Hopefully, some of you will remove your blinders and accept that you aren't the only one that is right or "knows how." And before you go yelling at me that I think I do, stop right there. I don't! I've said it before and I'll say it again; what I have learned through experience is one way out, not "the" way out!

<font color=blue>"Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt" --Shakespeare</font color=blue>