I feel like some of that vast post-PSU gap is now filled in. I had no idea--none--that you'd been married once before, and very little that you had trod the 12-Step road. I spent a certain amount of time in meetings myself, in support of two sisters and a bit on my own behalf at OA.

It may seem odd or even inappropriate for me to say, but there's nothing in this story that feels out of line with the undergrad I knew. Whatever detours you took, your voice is still perfectly consonant with the voice I remember--better honed, to be sure, but I Hear You.

Thanks for sharing this. I'm delighted to be, in some form, one of your pen-pals.