dear Rich,
First let me wish you a wonderful 2012.
I applaud your enthusiasm.
Sometimes you have to accept that you need to learn the alfabet first, then you can get into making words and sentences. After that the 'understanding part' starts to happen.
Good luck with your studies. I can truly say we have a wonderful profession.
It could be that the answer to your question will elude you for a very long time.... the reason WHY, is often not know... it just IS as it is....
Esther