Just Checkin' In...

Hey Guys and Gals...

Just checkin' in and offering a quick "Hi!" Beautiful day here in Chicagoland. Tons going on. Am about to launch the August Hope and Healing Dynamics newsletter. If you'd like to get on the emailing list, just drop me a line. Have a stupendous weekend! Bill

The "We Do It Intentionally Paradox"

Well, it's Wednesday. It's a wonderful day as I sit here in Wheaton, IL posting. Nothing but blue sky, sunshine, and temps near 80. Wow! Here's a bit from an article I just hit the article airways with...

"First, just what is a paradox? Well, it's something that may appear to be incongruent with what's accepted as common sense, yet it's very likely true. That said, it's my observation that many panic sufferers may consciously and/or unconsciously intentionally trigger their panic attacks. Is that paradoxical enough for you? Geez, don't get angry at me now. If this notion is true, and it applies to you, it can serve to provide a lot of direction. So think about it. Before I go into detail, could it at least be possible?"

"I mean, as unpleasant as panic attacks are, if living with them has been the only way of life we've ever known, is it so hard to believe we may well do all within our power to perpetuate them? Indeed, painful and icky though they may be, they're familiar and comfortable in a peculiar sort of way. Look, tens of millions of people elect to live in terribly undesirable environments and life situations, and each for very personal, perhaps even consciously unknown, reasons. As much as we might not understand why these folks don't opt for change, well, they simply don't. Their decision, and that's that."

Here's the link for the full article...

Well, keep on keeping on, one and all. And watch for coming posts on Neurotransmitter Replacement Treatment. Bill

Nice News From Ezine @articles

Was notified by Ezine @rticles that I've earned "Expert Status." That's really very flattering and I'm very happy about it. It also means that I'm now included in their RSS feeds and am included on their high-traffic home page. Feel free to click on the logo. Wanted to share. Bill

Panic Attacks, the Amygdala, and the Limbic Systetm: The Paradox of Protection

Well, it's Tuesday morning and it's kind of overcast and muggy here in Chicago. My father called this morning and told me my Uncle Rusty died. He was a World War II veteran and had a law practice in Sumter, SC for years. I have very fond memories of him. He was a great guy! My condolences to his wife, son, and granddaughter.

If you've followed my work you know I'm huge on the physiological workings of panic, and passing on what I've learned. I think this is foundational in recovery. Wrote an article yesterday on the impact of the amygdala and the limbic system on panic. Here are three blurbs...

"The amygdala moves into vigorous motion in response to threatening sensory input, real or perceived. And don't ever forget those last three words. Indeed, as the amygdala is stimulated electronically in the laboratory animals respond with aggression. Taking it to the extreme, if the amygdala is removed an animal's rage response to agitating stimuli falls by the wayside. Fear and sexual responses go out the door as well. And how ‘bout this factoid? The amygdala has the most structural variance between the genders of any brain structure. And, oh by the way, the amygdala shrinks by some 30 percent when a male animal is castrated. Ouch."

"The amygdala is a card-carrying member of the brain's limbic system. The word "limbic" is derived from the Latin, "limbis," meaning a border, edge, or fringe of an object. The term "limbic system" was coined by 19th Century French anatomist, Dr. Paul Broca, who used the term in reference to the tissue he found surrounding the brain stem and beneath a piece of brain anatomy known as the neocortal mantle. The limbic system is all about the memory and motivation components of emotion; and its star players, for our immediate purposes, are, indeed, the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the hypothalamus."

"Again, what an incredible mechanism this truly is; however, as it applies to panic there's a major drawback. In the face of fear, the amygdala is the dominant of the two structures. And once the amygdala starts beating the drums it's really tough for the prefrontal cortex to convince it to knock it off. And without practiced intervention it really doesn't stand much of a chance. That‘s what paves the way for misinterpretation of sensory input, leading to overreaction to truly harmless stimuli. And that's at the very foundation of panic."

As always, just click here to access the entire article.

Hey! Have a swell Tuesday. Bill

Hi Everyone, and Happy Sunday!

It's a beautiful day here in the far western suburbs of Chicago...

Submitted an article yesterday on what I believe is a huge topic for panic sufferers. It's something called the HPA axis. Yep, image of the workings is above and a blurb from the article following. I've provided a link to the article on Idea Marketers at the end. Come on, let's talk! Bill

The HPA axis involves the interaction of the brain structure known as the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland (just below the hypothalamus), and the adrenal glands (at the top of the kidneys). These three pieces of anatomy work together to regulate functions and states, such as stress response, mood, digestion, immune response, sexuality, and energy usage. Now, to really capture the purpose and functioning of the HPA axis one needs to become familiar with a little bit of physiology (I go on to discuss CRH, ACTH, and cortisol - the "stress hormone," norepinephrine, and our flight/flight response).

Now, in so-called “healthy” individuals the noradrenergic (having to do with norepinephrine) system and the HPA axis work in harmony through, as we discussed, feedback loops, in maintaining a sense of stress-balance. When everything is operating as it should, as activity in the noradrenergic system increases, activity in the HPA axis follows suit. But in panic sufferers this delicate balance is interrupted by chronic and/or situational overproduction of norepinephrine, which messes up the whole works. As a result, the HPA axis becomes cut off from any and all noradrenergic activity, leading to an unmanaged increase in stress.

The term dysregulation refers to the inability of a neural system to maintain a balance of its intended neurotransmitter activity. If you haven’t caught on as yet, noradrenergic activity in panic sufferers is theorized to be highly susceptible to dysregulation because of all of the funny business mentioned in the last paragraph. Most are aware of the success of the antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) in the treatment of panic. Well, this success may well be due to normalization of a “dysregulated” noradrenergic system by the enhancement of serotonergic (having to do with serotonin) activity. Remember, as serotonin levels rise, levels of norepinephrine fall.

Check-out the article!

Neurotransmitter Replacement Therapy...

Good Saturday Morning! Hey - was led to a bit of subject matter I found incredibly interesting. Not sure about my gut feeling yet, but am boning up on it. It's the work of Dr. Marty Hinz and it deals with neurotransmitter replacement therapy. Check out their website. Bill

"'Til I Die" Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys

Was getting ready to nod off and had to listen to this most amazing song on YouTube. Brian Wilson wrote it in 1970 and it's the most hauntingly beautiful song I've ever heard.

Here's what Brian had to say about the background of the song...

"Lately, I'd been depressed and preoccupied with death...Looking out toward the ocean, my mind, as it did almost every hour of every day, worked to explain the inconsistencies that dominated my life; the pain, torment, and confusion and the beautiful music I was able to make. Was there an answer? Did I have no control? Had I ever? Feeling shipwrecked on an existential island, I lost myself in the balance of darkness that stretched beyond the breaking waves to the other side of the earth. The ocean was so incredibly vast, the universe was so large, and suddenly I saw myself in proportion to that, a little pebble of sand, a jellyfish floating on top of the water; traveling with the current I felt dwarfed, temporary. The next day I began writing ''Til I Die,' perhaps the most personal song I ever wrote for The Beach Boys...In doing so, I wanted to re-create the swell of emotions that I'd felt at the beach the previous night."

Absolutely nothing more I can say. Here's a link to the song...

"'Til I Die."

Bill

Great News, and I'm Psyched!

I've been working with Taylor for some four weeks now. He's they guy I feature on my website's home page. I'll tell you, working with him has been so very special, and it just keeps getting more and more fulfilling. We talked last night and he told me he had his first appointment with a new therapist today. He'd seen another therapist a few weeks ago and the two of them just didn't click (I wouldn't have clicked with him either, from what I heard from Taylor). Well, he called me after today's appointment and told me the therapist was a good guy and he felt they could work very, very well together. AND much of what the therapist discussed was right in line with the things Taylor and I have talked about. So it was a beautiful transition of care, and I was incredibly happy for Taylor. Oh, and by the way, one of the things that made the experience so meaningful and hopeful for Taylor was the fact that the therapist LISTENED! Gee, imagine that. Had to share this super-feel-good moment. Bill

My Hero: Brian Wilson

I used to draw total blanks when I'd be asked if I had any heroes. Well, these days I can think of several, but numero uno just has to be Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys fame. You see him above in the studio circa 1966 and during a recent concert. Brian Wilson was extraordinary and most don't know just how special he was. Indeed, he was the Beach Boys. His song writing and production skills were way ahead of their time, according to the likes of Paul McCartney, George Martin, Elton John, Eric Clapton, and other super-professionals.

You may or may not know that Brian Wilson has a history of severe mental illness and substance abuse/dependence. Indeed, he's been diagnosed schizoaffective and he used to ingest mountains of cocaine, lots of LSD, and who knows what else. To this day he suffers from auditory hallucinations. Brian Wilson made an extraordinary comeback, showing incredible courage and insight. He is the classic example of wanting and learning to live with, and manage, one's mental, emotional, and physical circumstances.

I found a really neat video presentation featuring an interview with a Dr. Brian Levine. Its title is Mental illness and the creative mind: The Brian Wilson Story." It's a must see. I only wish we could have heard the songs Dr. Levine referenced. Guess the copyright lawyers got in front of that one.

Just click here to check it out.

Kudos to you, Mr Wilson. You have my admiration and respect! Bill

Panic Newbies...

I conducted a psych assessment yesterday with a 28-year-old man in the throws of what appeared to be panic and generalized anxiety. As soon as he started to tell his story I got very excited because I knew he'd be the beneficiary of some immediate hope and relief, though he had no clue as to what was to come. Well, he told me he began having symptoms of panic when he was 22. It was the amazingly typical laundry list: panic attacks, concern and obsession over his physical welfare featuring several E.R. visits, feeling unsteady on his feet, pounding heartbeat with chest pressure, strange skin sensations, hyperventilation, and on and on. You know the menu, right? And imagine - he's been enduring this for six years! Actually, that's not very surprising at all.

As the assessment ensued and I was getting close to a disposition the man asked me if I was going to suggest he be either medically or psychciatrically admitted. He looked shocked as I told him he wasn't in need of either. I mean, he was convinced he was hopelessly mentally and/or physically ill. And when I went on to explain that what his body was doing was precisely what it was supposed to do, given its perception of a threat, his face began to relax. He was receptive. As I say to one of my clients, he "Gets it!" Or, was at least open-minded.

I felt so bad for this guy having to wait six years for any measure of relief. Somehow, someway he didn't get in front of the right professionals and resources. And I readily identified with his situation because when I was stuck out in the woods all those years ago there were seemingly no resources period. But the good news is, he walked out of the facility with some quality referrals and I'll guarantee an entirely new perspective with regard to his situation. He left with hope, and it showed in his posture and walk!

I love working with panic and anxiety sufferers who are first approaching their distress. It's very cool. Bill

Well, here it is Wednesday and it's taken me way too long to post today. Had to handle bunches of stuff today, including a couple of emergency cases. So the topic of the day is anticipatory anxiety. Here's a blurb from an article I submitted just a bit ago...

"Now, I’ve experienced anticipatory anxiety so many times over the years and it’s caused me way too much stress, unease, frustration, and melancholy. And as with most everything with which we deal, there’s no 'miracle-cure.' However, if you truly want to kiss it good-bye there are strategies that can help you pull it off, in lieu of simply writing off activities and events. Looking back, I started making my most significant progress in dealing with anticipatory anxiety when it dawned on me just how much misery it brought to my life. I hated it. And not only could I very much do without it, it was something I could actually do something about. I mean, what a waste of valuable time and life experience. In the past, for example, had I flown somewhere on a business trip, the anticipatory anxiety regarding the flight home would cause so much way-over-the-top grief for the very few days I was at my out of town location that I couldn’t fully take-in and enjoy the sites and experiences. I began to find that very objectionable, to the point of resentment. Yeah, it made me angry as heck. Indeed, angry enough to do something about it."

Just click here to read the full article on Idea Marketers. Bill

Panic Attacks and Fear: A Matter of Symbols?

Well, it's Tuesday and plenty to do today, as usual. Hope things are shaping up nicely for you today. Posted another article on panic and fear last night. It's all about what our fears symbolize, and how coming to know what the true source of our fears are will lead to a whole lot of calm and peace. Here's a bit from the article...

"Within the context of our discussion, this is how fear often perpetuates. You move through life trying to manage what you believe to be the fear-inducing person or event, all along ignoring the true source of your fear. And you get nowhere, but lost.

So what are the lessons to be learned from this particular discussion of fear? In the midst of the whirlwind of anticipatory anxiety and in-the-present fear, have the mental discipline and open-mindedness to deeply examine the thoughts and feelings generated by the people and situations that trigger your fears. Then, listen long and hard enough to let them tell the stories you need to hear. Indeed, strongly consider and evaluate the symbolism of the people and objects you fear.

Yes, glean from the dynamics of the present all you can about your fears and their background. And as you secure important identifications and connections, strive to process them with a goal of resolution. I believe you’ll find this work extremely revealing, not to mention endlessly helpful in stitching many wounds, allowing you to discard boxes of bandages.

How strong is that?"

So there you have it. Check out the article on articlesbase.com. Just click here.

Hang in there today! Bill

Panic Attacks and Fear: Going With Logic and the Odds

Happy Monday to all of you. Hope it's been a good one at that. All's well in my neck of the woods. Just did the article submit thing. You know, this is beginning to become a pattern. I draft an article, submit it, and touch base here. Not a bad discipline, I suppose.

This time around I wrote about fear and its frailty in the face of logic. Now, I know defeating fear painting fear with logic may not provide immediate results; however, with practice and continued reason I believe the job can and will be done.

Here's just one portion of the article...

"Your chances of dying on a single airline flight on one of the Top 25 carriers with the best safety records are 1 in 6,300,000Your chances of matching all five numbers in the Illinois Little Lotto are 1 in 576,000Your chances of dying from a bee sting are 1 in 86,000Your chances of dying from being struck by lightning are 1 in 84,000Your chances of dying in an automobile accident are 1 in 100 Interesting and revealing numbers, aren’t they? And with regard to dying in an airplane crash, air safety in the United States is so good right now that there’s a better chance of a child being elected president than your plane going down. How ‘bout this one - if you were to fly only 2,000 miles a year, your chances of death are just about the same as an airplane falling out of the sky and hitting you on the head. Now, how often do you fret about that during a typical day (and don’t start now). In spite of the fact that it’s been years since I’ve had a panic attack, there’s still no doubt that my levels of anticipatory anxiety and in-the-moment fear would dramatically decrease if I knew I was going to make a trip by car, as opposed to flying. But given the stats we just reviewed that just doesn’t make any sense. I mean, 1 in 6,300,000 as opposed to 1 in 100? Give me a break."

"Look, let’s say you had a life-threatening medical condition and there were only two courses of treatment that could save your life. One’s chances of death were 1 in 6,300,000, but involved a horribly painful recovery. The other guaranteed a pain-free recovery; however its chances of death were 1 in 100. Gee, in spite of the pain, for which course of treatment would you opt? Of course, you’d go with the odds. How ‘bout this one. The chances of dying from a lightning strike are 1 in 84,000. Again, the chances of dying in a plane crash as described above are 1 in 6,300,000. Hmmm - you won’t fly, yet you’d run to the car (probably with a metal umbrella) during a thunderstorm with intense lightning. You bought that Little Lotto ticket in Illinois knowing you had a very remote chance of matching all five numbers at odds of 1 in 576,000. Did you really expect to win? Of course not, you trusted the odds. Yet, you believe your plane will go down when the odds are 1 in 6,300,000 that it won’t. Again, look at the numbers, as well as your history of suspect interpretation and overreaction."

Well, here's the link to my author page on Idea Marketers. The article is entitled, Panic Attacks and Fear: Going With Logic and the Odds. Hope you enjoy it. Bill

http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=67951&wherefrom=RESULTS

The Eyes Have It!

Heard from a client earlier today. He's been doing so well and I'm so proud of him, but up popped a bit of a demon that was causing him some alarm. Seems he's been having issues with his vision and it got to the point where he hit Google ("Oh man!") and started doing some research (double "Oh man!"). Well, he'd decided there was a good possibility that he was suffering from Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD). Of course, he was frightened with the prospects of his disease. And, of course, he doesn't have it.

But he had no other explanation for the floaters, light and light-to-dark sensitivity, auras, etc. he was experiencing. And this is after our talk of a week or so ago about the impact of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems on vision. The sympathetic nervous system, which prepares us for the fight of our lives, dilates our pupils, allows for distance vision, and dries up our tear glands. The parasympathetic nervous system, which puts us back together after the crisis has gone, constricts the pupils, allows near vision, and generates tears.

Knowing that these physiological dynamics occur as a direct result of stress and relaxation, and knowing how panic sufferers so often dance between these two states; is it any wonder some funky stuff may go on with our vision? And, finally, knowing about our intense internal awareness and how we so often catastrophize and assume the worst, is it any wonder these physiological goings-on so often lead to distress and, ultimately, panic? But, take heart; as knowledge is power. Simply knowing of such dynamics gives us a huge leg up in terms of managing our perception and response to such presentations.

Panic Attacks Acute Care: Gentle expressions of hope

On Thursday I mentioned an article I wrote on hope. Wanted to give you a link so you can check it out. Just click the title of this post. Bill

Hope is the First Order of Business...

I just put the finishing touches on an article I'll be sending to several Internet article publishing websites. By the way, if you want to check-out all of my articles here's the link to my Ezine Articles expert author page (though the article I'm going to reference here won't be up for another week). www.ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_Chandler

So often, my working relationship with a panic and anxiety sufferer begins with that first email of all-consuming pain, fear, bewilderment, and desperation. The writer has visited my website, identified with the content, felt a glimmer of possibility, saw my invitation to write, and did exactly that. But as this person wrote, just what were they really looking for? And what do they really need to receive at this most opportunistic time? Those are the most important of questions just now because their answers hold the very keys to lifelong recovery and peace.

If you’ve been in the panic attack or panic disorder saddle, you know it’s a rough ride; especially when it first comes upon the scene. I mean, seemingly out of nowhere you’re being pounded by sledge-hammers of panic, anxiety, agoraphobia, derealization, depersonalization, avoidance, phobias, depression, substance abuse, and crushed self-esteem and confidence. And you may not even know what these phenomena really are, much less that you’re suffering from them. The one and only thing you know for sure is, “I want to be the way I used to be.” And you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically flailing wildly to establish that sense of identity and comfort.

All of this leaves you frightened beyond belief, absolutely certain you’re losing your mind, clueless, and hopeless. You’re beyond overwhelmed, as your mind is the scene of a fifty-mile-long traffic jam and no one’s going anywhere. You’re frozen. And I’m telling you, if your immediate situation isn’t managed with experienced finesse, insight, and direction, a marvelous window of recovery opportunity will slam shut.

Whether your panic experience is new or you’ve been frozen for years, if you're requesting an intervention it's my belief you need something that perhaps won't be deeply experienced in the immediate, but will lay the foundation for long-term emotional recovery and survival. Empty words, suppositions, and rationale are irrelevant at this moment in time. Instead, gentle expressions of empathy, respect, compassion, and hope are the best medicine. And these are messages that are so powerful, if the situation mandated, they could be conveyed without a word spoken.

Listen, there will be plenty of time for chatter, theories, and logic when it's appropriate. But akin to a stroke victim requiring very specific immediate interventions to stave off permanent damage to the brain, there exists a critical care protocol for a panic sufferer reaching-out for help that is equally as valuable in preventing permanent emotional carnage. Yes, gentle expressions of empathy, respect, compassion, and hope.

It's what so much of my treatment philosophy and work is about. Bill

You Really Can Do This...

I'm so often asked, "How did you ever beat this?" Of course, the reference is to panic attacks, agoraphobia, derealization, depersonalization, etc. You know the drill. Obviously, I can't get into the whole story, though my website and eWorkbook can. Check it all out at www.hopeandhealingdynamics.com. But in the meantime, I'll tell you through diligence, drive, creativity, education, reaching-out, openness, resiliency, and wanting it so badly you can taste it, you can and will succeed. These aren't shallow words of empty hope coming from some novice. No, this comes from someone who had derealization, depersonalization, agoraphobia, avoidance, and on and on and on so badly that no hope was in sight. And let's not forget a nasty alcohol dependence that I left behind 25 years ago. For sure, you can do this, and I can help. Why don't you let me?????????????

DD & Cotard's/Capgras'

One of my readers, Tim from Wisconsin, emailed me with some great questions after reading one of my Ezine articles on DD. I want to share them, along with my answers...

Can people with anxiety dp/dr develop Capgras Delusion or Cotrad's Syndrome?
First of all, these are very rare disorders. I mentioned them only because Ramachandran related their workings to d/d, in that they all seem to involve a disruption of communication between areas in the brain responsible for emotion/perception/cognition. And it makes sense to me. That said, Capgras' presentation is most typically associated wtih schizophrenia, brain injury, and dementia. Cotard's is a bit more of a mystery. Now, though it's associated with depression and derealization, be careful with that. My interpretation is the association is all three may coexist. That doesn't mean those that suffer from depression and derealization are a cinch for Cotard's. Here - obesity, diabetes, and hypertension may be associated. However, that doesn't mean all those who suffer from, say, diabetes are, or will become, obese or hypertensive. Make sense? I'm going to go out on a limb here. YOU WILL NOT DEVELOP CAPGRAS' OR COTARD'S!

Is there ever really a meltdown of an overloaded mind? Or is it just an anticipation caused by anxiety?
Well, sure a "meltdown" can occur as a result of an "overloaded" mind. Just kind of depends on genetic predisposition and developing pathology. One of my heroes, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, had a psychotic break many years ago (he's doing concerts these days, by the way). But one has to take into account his genetic predisposition, abusive childhood, writing and studio overload, and the fact that he was ultimately diagnosed schizoaffectve. Oh, and he was ingesting enough cocaine, LSD, and who knows what else to sink a ship. That said, if an anxiety sufferer is worried about experiencing a meltdown, my money says it's an obsessive/intrusive/disturbing thought, catastrophizing, and that ever-famous anticipatory goofiness we so often experience.

I love receiving questions such as these - and love resonding to them even more. Don't hesitate! Bill

More Derealization/Depersonalization...

Man, the emails reporting issues with d/d are flying in. Having been a sufferer I can surely understand why. Let's do all we can to share experiences and solutions. Already have two d/d articles on Ezine and a new one will appear in a couple of days. Check them out. Bill
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Chandler

Meaning of Life

As I think about the journey of my readers and clients; one question always come to mind. Why do any of them arise in the morning and endure another day of suffering? Furthermore, what's the foundation of their quest for healing? I asked myself the very same questions when my life was especially directionless and painful. I mean, there has to be a reason we carry on, right? Or maybe not having the answer is what keeps us in our state of emotional and life shock. I would challenge one and all to strive to discover the true meaning of their lives. It's my opinion answers can and will be found. And these answers will make the difference between just biologically living and living to the max. Bill

Derealization/Depersonalization

Morning All...
Not surprisingly, having more and more readers contacting me about this derealization/depersonalization business. Already have two articles on Ezine, and I'm about to dig in and submit another. Please - share thoughts and feelings. Oh, Happy Sunday! Bill

Quick Fixes...

I began the coolest series of email exchanges with a 22 y.o. young man from Florida yesterday. He touched base with me after checking out the website and indicated he was in need of some immediate help re his panic/anxiety situation. As did I, he wanted immediate relief from his very frightening symptoms, but I had to slow him down. He was desperately grasping at straws for a quick-fix technique or two to get him over the hump. I had to convince him to reel it back a bit and listen to reason, as his desperation was only making matters worse for him. Fortunately, he listened and ended up ordering my Free Slice of the eWorkbook pie. In the midst of the horrible symptoms panic and anxiety generate we become pressed to find snap of the finger cures. This is counterproductive, as the ultimate solutions lie in understanding ourselves, and our pathology, and moving forward with the correct prospective. That's the key to lifelong relief, and measures of immediate relief, as well. Believe me, you'll more than live as you productively click your situation into management. Happy 4th, one and all! And Happy 233rd USof A! Bill

On the lighter side...

So what's going on this July 4th weekend? I'm on-call all weekend, but will be hanging with my son and daughter as much as I can.

Derealization/Depersonalization

Oooookay, we all know how icky d/d are. What's working for folks in terms of having them go bye-bye?

Finally! The blog I've said was coming...

Welcome one and all to Hope and Healing Dynamics' blog. Been a long time coming. Finally, a forum in which we can share panic and anxiety trials and tribulations, as well as what's brought relief. Always express yourself freely here; however, if you're addressing someone specifically, please be aware they may well be in the midst of very difficult times. This is great, for sure! Bill