I may be cynical, but I'm not tough. I can tell reading your pieces that I've never been in the same room with tough the way you have.

The institutions and beliefs thing simply applies to how I feel about things like being Catholic. I am aware of the many problems with Catholicism, and I have looked for other faith practices, but I just can't give it up. Partly because I feel like there's still good stuff in it, like Jesus and Mary caring for poor people and for women, and partly out of spite because I feel like the Church is turning backwards and it pisses me off because it could go forward instead and it is choosing not to.

More than you needed to know.

I am so glad to hear about your nephew. I hope the best for your brother too; those types of jarring injuries can take longer to resolve than doctors act like they do (which is frustrating in itself). Thank you for being there for your sister-in-law. I'm sure just having someone to tell these things to helps her.