Changing Man

[Gardener]

Well, here it is after much-needed 72-hour rule this time: My response to stepkids re: my STBXW's BS (?) last Thursday about my "unappreciated" surprise trip to Chicago to see newborn GD Adeline:

StepD, StepD's Partner, Stepson,

Loving apology:

It was brought to my attention last week that my surprise visit was unexpected (of course), unwanted, and uninvited.

Thankfully, my thoughts quickly focused on the word uninvited. This is true and is the reason for my writing you to say, "I'm sorry."

I was wisely told recently that we all must now learn to navigate an uncharted new norm. (Note not in letter: My StepD had said this to me)

I suppose I was navigating the well-charted old norm that day.

I purposefully selected the shortest-interim round trip I could. In addition, I hung out, shopped and ate in your neighborhood for about three hours before "dropping in" and I left to go back to the airport 2/12 hours before my flight so as not to overstay.

I recently wrote a friend that while (Son and Son) are my sons and family (Naturally. Of course), as far as Family and the old Home and Hearth thing goes, (Wife, StepD and StepS) are and have been my Family for over seventeen years. Needless to say, that's why I came.

It was bliss for me to see, hold and kiss Adeline. It was a joy to see you, (StepD), after so much time. And I enjoyed talking so much to you,(StepD's Partner), who I don't know as well as I would like. And, of course it is always good to see (StepS) as well as see a beaming, new Grandma.

Still, I am sorry for my presumptuousness and for for any awkwardness I introduced into your day together. Thank you for for being so gracious in spite of it.

Please kiss that beautiful baby for me.

I love you all.

Gardener

The last time I wrote in response to something my STBXW "said" they said, they came back with a reply of "I have absolutely NO idea what you're talking about!" It'll be interesting to see the reply or replies to this one.