I’m sorry, my friends. I am in dire straits. I cannot say precisely why, for it would be unseemly and it would show a lack of respect..

On this Valentine’s Day, I languish in depression.

Bummer. Wah freakin’ wah. Get a grip, Ben. Can optimism win out over pessimism and fatalism?

Yes. Of course it can. But this ain’t about me. Or just me.

Damn! I can’t help the one I love the most. I know that nothin’ I say or do can change that. Damn it!

Sorry. It hurts. It hurts exponentially more when you can’t help your Love.

O God! What do I do? What do I say?

Why can’t I bring cheer and joy to my loved one? What’s wrong with me?

I will never give up. But I can’t give that principle. I can’t bottle that up and give that desire to anyone.

My friends, I have…failed. Miserably. I am at a loss.

Again, this ain’t about me. But I’m sure I coulda done more. Hence, the despair.

I’m not gonna get into specifics, for obvious reasons.

I only ask for your prayers.

Prayers for my wife Patti’s health, and prayers that I do the right things, whatever that entails.

I also regret that I haven’t written something uplifting.

Despair and selfishness go hand-in-hand I reckon.

I feel…paralyzed. I probably shouldn’t post this.

But your prayers hold value, and they have brought miracles.

Thanks! Hopefully, I’ll have some good news later.