I'm going to be leaving DU for quite some time

[calimary]

109. Indeed! Me, too, ProfessorGAC. Dear Cali_Democrat - hope you don't stay away too long.

I'm so sorry to hear you're so troubled, Cali_Democrat. Whatever it was that happened, I hope you get through it smoothly and successfully. Perhaps you'll drop back by, however briefly, to let us know how you're doing? Worried about you! Many of us care about you and want you back as soon as you feel up to it.

Just remember how many pairs of good strong sturdy shoulders there are around here, that you can lean on. Many pairs of ears and eyes to hear you out and look out for you and see you through it. The many folks here sitting vigil with you and otherwise keeping you company during a tough time.

The moral support I've received here during personal crises has meant the world to me. People here are basically wonderful and kind and compassionate - even those who might disagree with you on something. And I also like to throw in that comment Skittles made once, which has sure meant a lot to me in difficult moments: "someone's always here." The light's always on. There's always something warm and creamy and sweet in the kitchen, to drink, figuratively speaking. My kids used to talk about remedies and consolations and things "feeling you better." This or that will "feel you better." Like the tangy lemony hot tea or creamy hot cocoa or fragrant pungent coffee with all the fixings in it, or that meal that your mom always fixed the way you like it. One of the earliest things I remember that Hillary Clinton was criticized for, when she first got to the White House as First Lady - was when then-young Chelsea was under the weather and wanted some comfort food - I forget if it was oatmeal or soft boiled eggs or something - but the White House kitchen staff was going to fix it for her and her mom said no. SHE intended to fix it for her daughter, herself - telling the staff it was because "she likes it the way I make it." Well, that kinda sums up DU for me in times like this. Emotionally speaking, that is.

We'll be here with your figurative soft-boiled eggs and/or nice warm oatmeal "to feel you better" - whenever you feel like you need it, Cali_Democrat. Hope you come back to us soon.