Oh yeah, English Major!

I offer my condolences on the loss of your mother...

Mine died nearly two years ago and I'm still working through some issues concerning my relationship with her.
It's a different level/aspect--if that is the right way to explain it.

Support from women our age is a tremendous gift!
I am fortunate in having some irl, but there are limits to what is shared...many important issues (to me) are brushed aside with, "You are a big girl now so what do you expect?"
Gee, commiseration would be nice...humor about things...being allowed to cry from frustration would be nice.

My first attempt with grad school was a fiasco...
It was too soon after the Vietnam war and I was the subject of many accusations and ridicule--some from my professors!
Second attempt was easier and successful. I attribute that to my *****y attitude that kept those folks from bothering me.

Shoot, now I'm old enough to take classes for free. I can play instead of praying...

Cap