Thx! I really do feel good about making amends where I need to, and it's not centered about H - just me trying to be better.
FIL and and SIL just left. We had a great talk about everything BUT the H - haha! I was so glad to have them over, and our R is definitely improving. It's more honest and real than ever before. FIL brought up H several times but I didn't react with sadness or fear - really FEEL like I can handle this, thanks to lots of prayer, and I think that's coming through. The kids seemed happy to have a little connection to their stepdad too. I can't imagine how that is to have him leave suddenly and not stay in touch, but it was nice they came over to celebrate the b-day and just reconnect.
Of course, part of me hopes he'll tell H that I seem to be doing very well, have dropped the 10 lbs I needed to lose anyway and look marvelous, but that isn't what really matters. I'm improving the R with FIL and SIL and they are really decent people that deserve my respect and love. Period.
