The condition of my email box had me thinking we were going to be discussing tattoos for at least another month. But I have learned it's time to change topics, so off we go to something else. Meanwhile, I want to apologize to the 121 people whose unread letters in my email box will go unprinted (and probably even unanswered personally by me). I try to acknowledge every letter I get, but the avalanche on this topic is just too deep. I appreciate all your help, though. So many of you had great things to say that I am sure there are hidden gems in my email box. Please don't let your being ignored this time keep you from writing in on future subjects.

Today I have a topic and a request. The request is for emails that I can forward to the petitioner. Here is her letter:

I have a son who has drug-induced psychosis. I wondered if you have any way for me to connect with other parents who are experiencing this. We need support. I thought you might know of someone who could help me connect with others.

Worried Parent

Okay, readers. This isn't a topic — unless I get so many responses that it turns out to be a problem affecting lots and lots of you. What I'd like is for anyone who has experience with drug-induced psychosis, either in yourself or in a loved on, to write to meridianmagazine@aol.com and put Drug-Induced Psychosis in the subject line. I'll forward your letters to Worried Parent, and maybe you can help her.

Today's actual topic comes from far-off Vilnius, Lithuania. Dr. Boyd J. Hale has a question he wants to ask our readers to respond to:

I would appreciate your help. I want to know how readers prepare for life after the death of their spouse. I don't mean wills, burial plans and that kind of things. I want to get people's stories about the little things they did as a couple to prepare for the inevitable single life that will always follow marriage.

Boyd J. Hale M.D.
Vilnius, Lithuania

There you have it, readers. Have you thought about the unthinkable? Are you preparing for the death of a spouse? If you have experienced the death of a spouse, how do you wish you would have been emotionally prepared? What surprised you? What do you wish you and your spouse had discussed beforehand?

If you have any ideas or experiences to share, please write to meridianmagazine@aol.com. Put something in the subject line to tell me your letter isn't spam. We'll publish the first responses next Monday. And when you write, be sure to include your full name, city and state or province. (If you'd rather be semi-anonymous, sign your name as “A Reader from Michigan ,” or “Sandy from Timbuktu .” The important thing is that we hear from you.)

Until next time — Kathy

“ The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

Harriet Beecher Stowe