The 800-pound gorilla -- aka The connection we're not making...

TW, you're beginning to make sense and that's kinda scarey because, y'know what? I see what has been viewed from a younger perspective and how it influences the present for those of us 'over the hill' folks.

It's kinda frightening when one has swallowed the whole enchilada and then discovers that it was dog meat after all. That's a different take on what you seem to be expressing...or at least my take on what you stated.

Know this, however, all is not lost and it is not hopeless. Even from a sub-sub-sub position, one with brains, guts and determination can emerge triumphant, albeit at a slightly different level than previously imagined or hoped for. Dreams don't die...they mature and evolve over time. That's a good thing and nothing to be upset about.

Look at it this way: if we kept the same perspective on things as adults that we did as children, we probably would not survive very long in the real world. That is not to say your ideas were childish, it's just a way of illustrating my point. We all grow, change, and evolve. That's the natural way of things. Those who stay lost and in limbo are the ones to really feel sorry for because they'll never know the joys of discovery or even come to know the good, and the not so good sometimes, that they've missed.

You're on your way. I wish you well.

Sandi Bowman