While it is great that so many folks want Lee to stick around, at 37 he is at an age when many folks do make some changes. Family, work, mortgage, and other commitments are all important, and mid-career decisions are often made in the late 30's to early 40s. It is, i believe, fairly common that men put aside some of the hobbies and distractions of younger years to dedicate themselves, and their time, to things that are just more important. It happened to me, and others I know well. This does not mean Lee's astronomy interest is gone forever, just sublimated by more important aspects for some time. Many of us have returned to astronomy in retirement, or picked up other interests which we could not explore (or afford) in more demanding times of our lives.
I think Lee deserves our support in making the decision which is right for his circumstances at this time.
