2000 [...] Going through my mail from that time period is affecting me emotionally, more strongly than I would have predicted. I was so happy then, and it's all in ashes now...

I think overall I was happier then, too. Right now it just seems like there always something wrong, and we're always just waiting for it to be over. How long will it take for that feeling to be over? How long until at least this part of the world can be made better?

It can't last forever.

Best wishes.