Cathy - thanks for the compliment! No, I'm not a writer, but a physician. English isn't my first language, even though I can converse in it easily, and what comes accross as good style may be nothing more than the hapless linguistic ceremoniousness of someone bereft of everyday phrases. *smile* But thank you, just the same. I agree Betsey and Pamela write beautifully. And yep, as an ex-lurker I'd say that they are people who read avidly, but haven't registered.
Betsey - what happened, happened, and noone can say that you haven't paid the full price, and then some. As difficult as it may seem, it was probably necessary to help you mature into the wonderful person you are today. You had to realize the source of your unhappiness was internal, not external - and the amazing thing is you did realize it. You didn't spend the rest of your life chasing after elusive butterflies of imaginary bliss, but instead talked the talk, walked the walk, did the work and are still growing everyday.
