You and I could be siblings. Very similar story with my dad that died from Alzheimer’s complications (as did his dad). Very healthy, hardworking lifestyle, lifelong runner, did all the right things. And that weighs heavily on me.
Completely endorsed. One can do all the things and still end up with dementia, or get hit by a piece of a falling airplane. The point is to make peace with that.
*They’re so beaten down that they have to resort to being grammar Nazis in order to feel good about their program. It’s a tough spot.
Main Clause:
┌────────┐
│ They │──┐
└────────┘ │
│
┌──────────────┐
│ are (they're)│──► so beaten down
└──────────────┘
│
▼
Dependent Clause (Result):
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ they have to resort to being grammar Nazis │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
Purpose Phrase (why):
┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ in order to feel good about │
│ their program │
└────────────────────────────────────┘
Second Sentence (short commentary):
┌────────────┐
│ Tough spot │ ← (Elliptical: “It’s a tough spot.”)
└────────────┘
“That” is added to clarify the result clause.
“In order to” is more formal and clearer than just “to” when expressing purpose.
“It’s a tough spot” is a clearer way to deliver the second sentence.
This whole line of posts hits way too close to home. While on a run in Ute Valley Park I had to leave a deposit in some bushes off the trail about 2 miles in. I was not prepared and it was not nice.
In 8th grade concert band we played Elvira. I played tuba that concert season. I got to do the “oom poppa, omm poppa, mow mow“ part solo. Highlight of my musical career.