Was that a speedbump or a milestone?

[sleeper]

I helped rebuild a 360 ci chrysler engine once with my dad. I know what "top dead center" is.

Fasten your seatbelts, everyone (I didn't have that luxury).

After yesterday's marathon spew triggered by DD informing X that kids and I spent afternoon at another lady's house X texted this to me this AM:

"I talked with kids for a long time (they were verbally upset by our fighting) and I understand their hurt and pain and I WILL DO WHATEVER I CAN TO CHANGE MY ATTITUDE."

She called in the PM and we talked for about 45 minutes. She explained why some of the things I have done have hurt her. My 180's were apparently too good as they have only made her more angry because I didn't do them earlier. I guess I should read, "Damn you've improved and I've noticed." She once commented about 3 months post-bomb that she was angry that another woman would get the "good" me. Until lately there was no other "woman" to get me.

We had the longest, most productive, fantastic talk since we have separated. A lot of it focused upon the long term effects of our D (and posible future relationships with others) upon our children.

The kids orchestrated 6 family "group hugs" tonight when I took them back to X.

OM is sick. She has two children and a sick boyfriend to care for as she is beginning treatment for a std which she admitted (for the first time) OM gave her during our convo today.

She very nervous about her finances and she lost her health insurance when she divorced me, now having to pay for everything out of pocket.

I'm not happy she is going through this but it is obvious all that glitters is not gold.