11 Comments
User's avatar
Jill Blum's avatar

It is always nice hearing from you, but this time it is tempered. Not great news, you are right, a roller coaster ride.

Thrilled about your honor and trip to Chicago, have a great time!

Hope to see you soon.

J

Ben Nathanson's avatar

Thanks, Jill! I'm looking forward to the trip and to the next round of news, whatever it turns out to be. Now that the weather's getting nice, the three of us can think of planning our next outing!

Len Sierra-Scacalossi's avatar

Keep cool, Ben, You're a long way from being in the storm.

Ben Nathanson's avatar

You've consistently called it right, Len! You predicted the PSA might hover -- and it was just as you said, and I enjoyed 9 stress-free months.

So, you bet -- I'm gonna keep playing it cool. There's plenty more journey ahead.

mason.'s avatar

Yo, Ben...

Sounds, as always, like you are in a shit storm ( pardon the language ) of change.

I'm sure I speak for many when I say thanks for keeping the rest of us up-to-date and in the know as to what is happening to you. I am currently researching the use of psilocybin to alter my outlook and the way I'm dealing with long-term depression and end-of-life issues. Haven't "dropped" any acid, but I have discovered that lots of the men in the rooms we both visit seem to be druggies from the 60s and 70s Even as an MP in the Army, I was never really into drugs.

Ben Nathanson's avatar

Mason, dear heart! I wish you luck in this. Between us, I suspect a person with as much imagination as you do can teach psilocybin some new tricks. I know a dose of Mason always improves *my* outlook.

mason.'s avatar

You are a dear sweet and worthy man who deserves the best. I hope you keep showing up and reporting on your status. Keep in mind that a care shared is cut in half. You bring dignity and class to us all. mason

Jeff Wood's avatar

My bets on you.

I look forward to your notes after the conference!

Ben Nathanson's avatar

Thank you, Jeff! Look forward to our own next gallop through the woods -- any week now!

Bruce Bilmes's avatar

Do you know what you'll be doing at the conference? Talk? Presentation? Q&A?

Ben Nathanson's avatar

I'll be learning the details in a few days. Nothing that involves standing in front of a microphone, I'm pretty sure. I believe I'll be "presenting" a poster paper from my peer-support organization, AnCan -- which means standing in front of the poster in case anybody reads it and has questions.