You sound a lot more focused and calm today. Which is always a good thing. When is the last time you interacted with him? How did it go? You're lucky to have your family close by. Mine are not and you are sooooo right, family helps to ease the heartache. My parents have neighbors who were married, had a son and divorced. Nine years later, they remarry and have three more boys. Everyone thinks their first son is from her first marriage, which is correct but are always surprised with a big smiles when they hear the whole story.