I’m feeling a little depressed
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2026 7:59 pm
I just finished talking to one of my best friends, who was also my former team leader. In case you’re not familiar with the term, it means a technician who serves as a low‑level supervisor.
I already feel somewhat guilty about him. He was a heavy smoker for as long as I knew him, and several times I started to tell him that he should cut down or even quit. But I valued his friendship and never pushed it. He kept smoking regardless.
He retired a while back and had about three good years. Then his health started going downhill, and now he’s almost wheelchair‑bound. On top of that, his wife of 48 years has filed for divorce. I suspect it has something to do with another man, because he’s in a position now where he can’t take care of her. The few times I met and talked with her, I got the feeling she was sending me signals, which I ignored.
So I called him today and advised him not to let his emotions get the better of him in the settlement. I told him to make sure he got his fair share — and by that I meant I think he should get 60%. She did not work, and once the children were grown, most of the hard work was done. Most lawyers feel a duty to take care of their clients. But some husbands overrule their lawyers, and to some people, “duty” is just a word.
He didn’t want to talk about it, and he broke off the conversation. That left me feeling kind of depressed, which bothered me. But at least I got it off my shoulders.
I already feel somewhat guilty about him. He was a heavy smoker for as long as I knew him, and several times I started to tell him that he should cut down or even quit. But I valued his friendship and never pushed it. He kept smoking regardless.
He retired a while back and had about three good years. Then his health started going downhill, and now he’s almost wheelchair‑bound. On top of that, his wife of 48 years has filed for divorce. I suspect it has something to do with another man, because he’s in a position now where he can’t take care of her. The few times I met and talked with her, I got the feeling she was sending me signals, which I ignored.
So I called him today and advised him not to let his emotions get the better of him in the settlement. I told him to make sure he got his fair share — and by that I meant I think he should get 60%. She did not work, and once the children were grown, most of the hard work was done. Most lawyers feel a duty to take care of their clients. But some husbands overrule their lawyers, and to some people, “duty” is just a word.
He didn’t want to talk about it, and he broke off the conversation. That left me feeling kind of depressed, which bothered me. But at least I got it off my shoulders.
