I talked to my oldest daughter today.  I asked her what she thought about me not hearing from a lot of people.  She said she believed that people were often overwhelmed with their own lives and that, quite frankly, I acted like it was no big deal and that I didn't need anything.  Boy, how did she get so wise?  That's so true.  I've never been able to ask for what I need; love, attention, time, whatever.  I think, in a way, it's created more loss.  When will I be able to admit who I am under this blustery facade?

I'm trying to work a little bit at a time on this abstract.  So far it hasn't improved much.