New to this Community seeking advice

[JR09]

Journaling.

Just returned from seeing my boys after we linked up with my W halfway. I got to perform this important religious event for my S12. That was great. It all happened in my W's brother's home. I got to be around my W for at least a total of 45 min or so. She checked me out quite a bit as well, especially with my interaction with the boys.

I just played it "as if" and was upbeat all the time. I bought 2 used laptops with the intent to give one for my W and one for the boys to share. I asked my W to follow me to the car, which she did without much hesitation. She seemed to not be afraid to be close to me anymore. Big step from last Christmas. I told her I had 2 used laptops. She immediately said" I don't want the boys to each have their own laptops". I told her that one was actually for her since she goes to school. Her countenance and tone of voice changed. She didn't expect what I just said. She was completely caught off guard...and accepted the laptops.

When it was my time to take the boys out for a few hours, I told my W I'd bring them back in 2 hrs as planned. My W said I just needed to bring them back by 9:00PM so they can get to bed and get ready for the trip back the next day. So I had a total of 4hrs with them instead of the 2hrs initially planned...I was very happy, and we had a great time together.

Later, after I returned with the boys, I asked my W if she wanted to join us for a family prayer before I left. To my surprise she stayed and joined my boys and I. This was the first family prayer we had as a family in 15 months. WOW, I was surprised. That was great to have her with us. Our first "family" activity in 15 months... Baby steps...Could my W be slowly softening a bit?

As I said my goodbyes to the boys by my car before I went back to my hotel, I took them back to the house to hand them over to my W because they were all getting very emotional. To my surprise, my W was waiting outside by the door, watching us all that time when I was hugging each boy. I'm glad she was there because it was easier for her to comfort the boys while I was getting in the car.

Anyway, I believe it was a good linkup altogether. I'd say A-. It would have been A+ had my W joined us for dinner with the boys. But, hey, I did my best to be upbeat, loving, and caring. I hope the W noticed! I think I did well. Kept it composed all along. Good DBing indeed.

JR