I think texing is not personal enough. You send a text saying H John Doe died.. blah, blah, blah. Doesn't help an MLC'er. A call with empathy saying "I have bad news, John Doe died." Leaves open a communication link. Remember an MLC's is thinking about their own mortality and how much time they have on this earth.
About this pool cover and sand. As a guy's point of view we like to be appreciated. If you ask H to do you and the kids a favor when you know he's listening he may tell you what you want. Here's how I would ask.
Hey H, I know you always took care of the pool. While I was getting it ready for the summer I found out the sand might need to be changed. Do you remember the last time the sand was changed? If he doesn't tell you what you need then change it yourself. The next conversation can then be how you changed the sand yourself and what happened.
I believe we need to let the WAS know we're alive. Let them know by our actions (not words) we got our life back. They are secretly watching us. They already blame us for not having a life so when they see we have our own life; it make them think. Is it me or her?
To quote Star Wars "Stay away from the darkside." Going dark hurts us more than them. First it takes away the opportunity for them to get a peak at what you've been doing. Second, it will make you wonder if this is the right thing to do. Work on you... loose weight (if you have to) work out, join a club, go to the movies by yourself. Go back to school, do something.
