My Step Daughter.

[mongrel]

Several days after the fact -- your family is in my thoughts and I hope that the things you have to deal with in Arizona are going as well as can be expected.

At times like this I wish I could take on the pain of others, even temporarily. The nature of my life has been that I'm unable to be really close to anyone, as a whole long list of bewildered friends could tell you. Pain doesn't touch me as deeply or for as long as it does others. This would equip me quite well to take on the burdens of others, at times like this, and I would if it were possible -- but for better or worse life doesn't work that way.

You have my sincere condolences.

[Hanshi]

I can't begin to imagine what you must be going through.  I tend to take loss extremely hard and it seems mourning never completely leaves.  I pray you hold up better than would I in this awful situation.