I have actually seen a MAJOR improvement in this board in the last week or so and I was feeling VERY optimistic, there was true and sincere reflection occurring on all sides, and I feel a lot of people have learned how to better write and post w/o being harsh, hurtful and unnecessarily abrasive. There is also more respect for differing points of view than there ever has been before.
I think that both Pat and Joan are a very big part of this CHANGE and I, for one, would hate to see either leave at this point, but I sure know what the stress can do to you and I have taken breathers for my health and sanity at times as well, so I agree with Glad, if you feel you need to take a break for a while...please do so, but please return when you feel better.
I truly think we are ALL finally trying very hard to make this board friendlier and it is because we have more "friendlier" and kind hearted members that ever before.
Let's all continue to work on it.
I actually think this thread was quite civil and friendly and people learned a ton despite the differing points of view. I know I did!