I'm a semi-retired married mother and grandmother in Chicago. I have experienced recovery from alcoholism (sober 42 years!), survival of and recovery from domestic violence as well as a long and contentious custody ordeal, I have cared for my grandmother and my mother in their last days, planned their funerals and settled their estates. I have also experienced the mental illness challenges of my oldest child and the death of my youngest child when he was 44. I consider myself a recovering Catholic and have found spiritual direction in the Unitarian Universalist denomination. I have a multitude of great friends from all areas of my life and feel I have much to offer my friends as well. I've had many experiences in my life, good and not so good, that have brought me to where I am today and it turns out that all of my experiences have been useful at one time or another. I will do my best to listen to you and answer any questions you may have.