Journaling: I think Christmas Eve dinner at the in-laws went reasonably well. At least I represented myself well. STBX did not attend though she did inject drama that is now rippling through family. It is bringing me down to hear about the sniping after the fact. To go into detail would become a book, and cause me to give it more focus when I need to allow it to pass. Suffice that she has pulled out the stops attempting to use guilt to make her sisters feel bad for associating with me. Along the way I am once again the evil abusive villain. Sadly I am fending for myself while we wait for the dust to settle again.

When does the WAS stop running? I about faced and marched away last May when she bought her house and began to set up her new life. It seems from her actions that any reminder I exist causes a lashing out. It is the kids that are paying a price for associating with me; our children, nieces and nephews all teens and twenty somethings.

There are times here when I wish we could simply call in to a web meeting, but I guess that is what the coaches are for.

In about two weeks we will have the first hearing laying out the ground rules for the D proceedings. I will put more effort into the things I can control and ride out the things I cannot.

Some positives that came out of the family gathering;
I was a big part of meal preparation.
Everyone, Everyone was happy to have me there.
We had a wonderful time laughing and visiting
The young man soon to be my niece’s fiancé acknowledged me as a father figure in her life.
He told me I scared the he!! out of him at first. laugh
I hope she asks me to give her away at her wedding. It is totally her decision and I will not interfere. I would simply be honored to do so.

@labug I agree we have to respect them enough for them to find their own path. There comes a point in each person’s maturation when padding the sharp corners in life is counterproductive. Two of my kids are in Yuma at the edge of the Sonoran. I spent time in the Mojave. I know your winter, spring and summers.

@Val I hope you are doing better this day. BHG is an old Marine term, Brain Housing Group, that which prevents my cover from lying upon my shoulders. Sigh; Cover another old Marine term more popularly know as hat. wink

@Gunny Thank You. Back at you. The longer this continues the more I rely upon lessons learned and experiences had. We did not join, we became. Carry on, Aye.
Semper Fidelis

@SD Your welcome I hope to help and read more of your piecing thread.

BITS
Me 55, ACK, when did that happen? Doesn't feel like 55
D 30
S 27

You create your own universe as you go along - Winston Churchill