Jim, I'm glad to see your mood is starting to improve. I agree with Christine that the upcoming surgery has to be a bit draining. It's understandable that you would get moments of being down but I have no doubt you will deal with this with your usual strength and dignity.

I'm sorry too that your kids are disappointing you. I think sometimes no matter how old some kids get, they sometimes forget that parents are people too and that thoughtful , loving gestures should go both ways!!!

As soon as I joined this board I figured out that you were someone that an awful lot of people have a great fondness for. It's easy to see why. I just hope when you are feeling down all the caring from here helps.