Pam -
you don't need to leave the board - just move on over to Surviving the Big D - lots of people there doing what you are doing - check out my good buddy Davedave's thread, he's a really nice guy (You'll have to read his old threads to get his story.)

There you will find people who are rediscovering themselves. I think you'll find it encouraging. Mal's there still.

Ellie