It’s just the way it is, right? Sarcasm used as a weapon to kill the dreams and bayonet the spirit, yes! That’s the American way. Thank you, honey, for reminding me again and again, like in last night’s discussion:

“If other people talked to me, I bet they would be able to see that I’m NOT stupid.” I defended myself, voice meek, yet with a firm, dead-eye stare.

A pause as he stared back…

“No. I’m sure they wouldn’t.” His stare now a glare.

My 50th birthday a week away, I wish I could leave, move back to the West coast, and be by my fucking self.