I imagine the political situation in the US has been rough on you, too. It got to the point where I had to take breaks from the news. It's not like my feeling upset or angry could really make any positive difference...for anyone. I've tried to do some little part by writing letters to congressmen/women or organizations, or in my blog. And voting. Psychologically, I'm not capable of being a political hero.

My husband makes a big deal about my reactions to nature shows. Especially ones where humans are the "killers". [I can understand if a lion is going after a deer.] In any case, maybe four times he's told me to ask a therapist to help me "toughen up". A couple times I did and the therapist still didn't understand what my husband wanted. I guess it is natural to feel empathy and stress when situations are harmful or tragic, but I know that you, others, and I sometimes suffer disproportionately to what we should. When it's harmful to us, it does need to be addressed. In any case, I think most of us are pretty tough, going through what we do. How to find the balance of tough, but not heartless or oblivious, seems complex.

You know, I often think about how your daughter is incommunicado. I sure hope she finally reaches out again. I can tell it hurts you. And I'm pretty sure it hurts her. I imagine the situation is complex.