Spend the weekend with H and his family for FIL's birthday and luckily got to read your posts before I left which gave me renewed focus and encouragement.
The friendship advice was key and helped in making it a really lovely couple of days.
Most importantly the two children that came with me had a great time with extended family and cousins even though interaction with their Dad was limited. But thats something he and they must work on. I've learnt that I must step back.
MIL and SIL's took me to one side to quietly express their 'hope' because they could see how relaxed and friendly H and I were. Gently tried to manage their expectations as best as possible without appearing negative.
I left on Sunday night for the five hour drive home content that another hurdle had been jumped successfully. Its the first 'all family' thing we've been to in two years.
As I left, H was standing there with his parents (kids and I were the last to leave) and I looked back in the rear-view mirror and he remained where he was, by himself, til we were out of sight. A bit further on my eldest son asked 'Do you think he's happy?'. My honest response, 'I hope so'.
Monday morning I am back getting on with my life - a busy week ahead with work and kids and friends.
Thank you again for your words of encouragement and advice. This journey that we share through this site has been a gift to me and I'm honored to be traveling in such incredibly inspiring and wonderful company.
