Veronica and J: You're both giving me much to think about - and also making me comfortable in that I am thinking along the same lines as you. I've never been one to date a lot of people - so I wasn't worried about bringing too many woman by for the boys to meet. I wasn't even expecting to think about the possibility of introducing them to someone for a long, long time (years in fact) - so I'm still bewildered by the rush of emotions that have been going through me of late.
I like the idea of my kids having full voting rights - and also believe that it's important to take introductions slowly. A lot has changed over the last year in my life and in the lives of my children - so I will have to be very, very patient about introducing someone new to them. She knows this - and has been very understanding - gracious and kind. And she also agrees that it's important to be cautious right now...since I'm coming out of something extremely painful and life-altering - and will need time to heal.
As horrible as the pain has been for me over these last nine months...I am emerging with a kind of unanticipated optimism...
