Scott, We can all identify with your list. When I pray to God, I also ask for strength, patience, calmness, and guidance.
I hope you have a great visit with your friend. Let it all hang out and have a blast. You deserve it.
As far as your wife going out of her way for your friend, I take that as a positive. It seems she doesn't want him to think badly of her, maybe a litte guilt, huh?
Kim
Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are. -- Bernice Johnson Reagon