Hi guys,

H is crashing pretty hard- another wave anyway. Pretty painful to watch. We've only been communicating through email for a few days. It's been up and down, but he is planning a trip into the woods alone to "heal up a bit, focus and hopefully come back a better person" (his words).

He sent me a long letter at lunch telling me that he doesn't know what a nervous breakdown is, but he is feeling the darkest he has felt in these last 9 months, and is worried about what his state is doing to "us". He doesn't think much of himself for company, but asked me to spend some time with him tonight so we can "connect" before he goes away. Yes, Kent, I hear you- he's reaching out (a little). I will rise to it.

I feel very worried for him, and though I think what he's going through is necessary and even good for him, I'm sure it doesn't feel that way to him. He's always been an optimistic, cheery guy. Everyone around him is worried and upset.

It's kind of weird, but it's like he stepped out of Brigadoon... Is he so upset becasue he is grieving for her, or is it the weight of everything that has happened all at once? His concern for what this is doing to "us" is odd, considering there has been such a fractured "us" for 9 months- Did he jump ahead or backwards in time and not tell me?

Anyway, I can relate to the darkness, maybe better than anyone else he knows. Feeling pretty protective of him , actually, even though sometimes I want to strangle him. I can hear you saying to be careful to give space.

"Do not feed or touch the animals"...

Will wait a little longer before trying your suggestion- he;s the bigger emergency right now, I guess.

LeeP