Big hugs back sweet boy!
My Uncle left a couple of hours ago, after a really positive visit, I wish he didn't scare me so! I think a lot of it is from the ancient history part- when we were kids, my father walked out, never to be seen again, (by us), and we didn't have any contact with his family after that, until about four years ago. (Uncle is my fathers brother, my father died in 2000) We were very poor, and I simply felt that I wasn't good enough. For decades.
My Uncle is really trying hard, but after spending time with him I always feel like I've been through a washing machine, and even the thought of ringing him gives me palpitations!
Your essays sound hard, but interesting! One year in dental school we had an essay topic; "The Maxillary Sinus". Which is an anatomical feature in the upper jaw. Hard topic, not so interesting!
Have a good one!