LOL, Deb!!   Yup, BREATHING would be good!  I have to keep reminding myself to do that most days. 

It's so true that this time in our lives is difficult in other ways.  You're right in saying that kids move out (happened to me last year with my daughter who moved out with a total JERK and that's putting it mildly).  Both of my parents have passed on but, my FIL lives a block and a half away and has had a heart attack and a stroke and lives on his own so, he's a going concern and needing a lot of help, care and concern.  Work, family problems and so many others that I'd sound like a Whiner and bore the pants off of you if I listed them all  LOL. 

I wish that I knew what my mother's pattern would have been like.  She passed away at the age of 54 and didn't really talk about it.  I have no sisters (2 brothers) so, I can't judge by that.  My grandmothers just didn't talk about "periods" or menopause as it wasn't prim and proper to talk about in their minds.  No blood related aunts either.  I'm pretty much out of luck on that one.  I do believe that my mother was in menopause before 50 though because I remember her tossing out all of her pads one day.  She would have been about 48 or 49 I think.  But, my mom was a heavy alcoholic so that may have played a role as well??  It's hard to tell what was what with her. 

Hey....I laughed at you saying that I was "special"!  That gave me a really good and much needed laugh!  Thank you!  Only thing I wish.......I wish I knew why I couldn't be "special" in the opposite direction....the shortened healing version? LOL 

I will post a response as soon as I get an answer!  Fingers crossed that I can get one via phone tomorrow and not have to wait weeks for an appointment to get in to see her to get an answer.  Oh well...if that is the case, I might be stopped by then and wouldn't NEED to go! LOL 

Thanks for being here Deb!  Your thoughtfulness is really, really appreciated!!!   

HUGS
Jamie