@jimhd, I appreciate what you wrote about living your lives frugally and despite low wages, managing to own your home while prioritizing investing to boot.

As a single parent on a teacher's salary, planning and frugality made getting to the end of the month not overdrawn at the bank worthy of a celebration for years. Two specific dates of jubilation came for me on the day I paid off my last installment of my daughter's college debt and then later my last mortgage payment.

Jotting down gratitudes for the first 76 yrs of my life the other night, being my age and debt free with savings and not waking up each day to face chronic pain were among the top. Among others was the lack of envy of what others had; learning early the difference between "want" and "need" and becoming truly content with simple pleasures and the wonders of our natural world. Ready access to medical treatment and good medical insurance coverage which so many lack found a place along with blessings of loyal friends throughout my life who listened, understood, were loyal, commiserated and celebrated with me.

Despite your health challenges, I sincerely salute your spirit and "looking forward plans" to celebrate your 50th with an Alaskan cruise.

As my son-in-law once shared with me, "It is not the tragedies or challenges that occur in one's life that make the difference but how one acts upon those that determines what happens going forward". Both his mom and dad died within a year or two of one another as he was graduating high school.

There are many undersung everyday heroes among our Connect membership who continue to persevere with courage and optimism and you are certainly one of those undaunted warriors! Thank you for the inspiration and hope you give the rest of us. Sincerely

I have a question concerning the pain in your feet--is it caused by spinal stenosis? I have spinal stenosis. I have pain in my back and it radiates down my right leg into my foot. I take pain pills. I need something for my depression. My doctor doesn't actually know how bad it is. I haven't told her. I take so many pills as it is, I don't know what wouldn't interfere with them. I am up and down. I have read where it is called rapid cycling. I don't know if I need uppers or downers! I am not kidding. If I had all of you depressed people in one room for a group meeting, I guarantee you, I would have you laughing. Then, after everyone leaves, I go home, I am super depressed. I need people. This isolation is really making me anxious. I could write a book. I will close for the moment. Take care--all of you. God bless and be with you. The Bible says laughter is the best medicine. Yes, it is. Also, another question! Does your doctor ever give you epidurals for the pain?