Ouch! I totally missed that. So much for Mark and artist, too, although in light of the how she was doing when she left, I'm inclined to think she's well enough wherever she is.

I know too that some people drift off, worn down by the cycle of so much fear being ever expressed anew, impatient that the light of magic treatments at the end of the tunnel never seems to be getting any closer.

Then again, as someone whose had this for 9 years, I know that by the time I hit the 4 or 5 year mark, perhaps because of my more regimented use of meds (dosing time released analgesics on a precise schedule) or other treatments, I don't know, the pain became somewhat more managable. That or I adapted to it with the help of [whatever] so I don't mind hanging out here because I'm deep down I've become something of an optimist. To paraphrase Sartre, it's knowing that the choice is ours, whether we go to our ultimate ends - whatever those may be - as slaves (wrapped up in fear and regret) or free men and women, appreciating the moment as it arises: good or bad, no difference. Not that any of us always make the mark - I certainly don't - but just keeping the target in mind is helpful.

Still, where I'm most concerned is for those folks who appeared to be in something of a state of physical free-fall (Mark, Rosie) when last we heard from them. If anyone has information on esrtwhile members who've gone too long accounted for, even if it's not necessarily upbeat, I for one, would appreciate knowing it.

And as far as you other guys are concerned, I'm with Claudia, time to check in. Theresa too.

Mike