approaching hopeless

We once again interrupt the regularly scheduled programming to wax depressive about the significance of today.
There's nothing like a holiday to make a somewhat isolated person slide backward onto the downward spiral to despair. Socially significant events magnify the lifestyle differences that exist between me and the family members that I:

• still speak to
• live in proximity to
• maintain obligatory yet tenuous relationships with

That grand total would be 3; my insane borderline histrionic mother, my poor beleaguered stepfather and my dear Aunt Peg.

I remind myself to be grateful for everything I have. I know there are people who have suffered terrible tragedies. I know there are people who have so much less.

I think it is in our nature to seek understanding. I think it is in our nature to want connection with our families. In the absence of connection, people turn to acts of depravity. I don't know why addiction goes to the place where the void exists and replaces it for just a minute. What intelligent designer wired us that way?