Human emotions are complicated things. I think this is especially true regarding women. This is not meant to be sexist or degrading to one gender or the other. Men and women both have challenges when it comes to dealing with feelings. It's just that women have so many triggers that it can be almost impossible to predict what she's feeling at any given time are any of the men that may be reading this jumping for joy at this admission? [remember, this is only my opinion--and I am no expert. There, my disclaimer is done :)] A good example of what I mean happened yesterday: I went to church yesterday to sing with the choir (i'm a regular member, but we usually take summers off). It was a special occasion yesterday: our priest, Father Drew, is moving up to another position after being with our church for five years. Fr. Drew is a relatively young, energetic and amusing guy who took a stodgy parish and actually lightened things up a bit. Granted, I am the youngest on the choir--except during school breaks from college. Still, the church is suffering a huge loss. So, to show our gratitude, the choir performed programs at both AM masses on Sunday. Our accompianist even composed some music for the event--a gift, because that man is extraordinarily talented. As the 8:30 AM Mass started, a feeling of sadness cascaded down upon me. I got to know Fr. Drew pretty well, but I wouldn't say we're close. But, the pending departure, the beautiful music and PMS all combined to make me a sniffling mess. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I wondered what brought this on. Half way through the Mass, it came to me: I'm feeling abandoned and alone. The past month or so has brought a lot of change in my life--most of it being departures. My best friend moved away, family and friends have come to visit and then have left, my husband is working a lot of hours and will be going away again for business travel. I have a number of acquaintances, but haven't made the firm connections that I've discovered I need. I know I'm never truly alone. There are many people in my life that are only a phone call away, but it's not quite the same. Yesterday just felt like the straw that broke the camel's back. People in my life that I figured were constants are taking off in new directions. I'm an incredibly lucky person. I have a job that I love and a beautiful family. So, why the sadness and frustration? I'm sure that future friendships are in the wings--but waiting can be so hard...