Getting stronger sux

What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger.

I like and dislike that quote (or the paraphrased version of it) all at once. Yes, if I don't die, these experiences will likely strengthen me somehow. Kind of like making lemonade if life gives you lemons.

But sometimes ... just sometimes ... I feel like shouting, "Where the he**'s the sugar?!"

Some of my friends are going through difficult times. One of my closest friends faced the death of her father this past weekend. I didn't know until tonight. And there's not a whole lot I can do from almost the opposite end of the country.

E-cards seem shallow in these cases. E-mail hugs cannot replace the real thing. We live in a world where we are so close, so connected because of this marvelous technology --- and yet at times it seems rather cold ... impersonal ... useless.

Give somebody you care about a real hug today while I collect the lemons and try to make something good to drink. Don't worry. I'll share.

Slainte!