[LITB]

I can well imagine how it must be to see that ring there! Very cool!

Thanks for stopping by kolja. It is very cool.

That was so beautiful. Surreal must be a word you say to yourself often. I don't tire when reading about your reconciliation keep the stories coming:)

Thanks BM. Yes, surreal is a word that I say to myself often. I’m glad that you and others enjoy reading, because I feel reluctant to post given where I find myself and the pain that I know all too well of many on these forums.

Nice work, LITB! I'm really happy to see your story unfolding in such a positive way. Keep moving forward. Good things are in store for you and your family!

Thanks 2tp. I truly appreciate it.

LITB,
Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story. It's beautiful to read. Wishing you and yours all the very best in future.

Thanks mab1. As I mentioned to BM above, I am happy that my story might help others. I owe a lot to this board for where I find myself today.

[LITB]

LITB I am so happy for you and your family! So excited as well.

Very much appreciated Busting.

You seemed to have worked through the honest, yet blunt answer quite well and that's a good thing.

It was a bit frustrating to be honest with you. I recognize that she is processing some hurt and anger from this mess. It is going to take time and patience. Thankfully we both understand that our R/M will always be a work in progress.

I can only imagine how your children's hearts must have lifted with the news. Wow.

Indeed, they seem much more content, especially our D9. She is such a daddy’s girl.

Sorry about the loss of your father. How you managed to come through so much at one time is so inspiring.

Thanks Busting. As you will read many of times on these boards, our children look up to us how we carry ourselves in our owns lives.

My dad was a great example for me on how to live. He lived his life positively in the face of the storms in his own life. As he battled cancer for 4+ years, I do not recall him once complaining about pain or questioning, “why me?”. That was an example of the man that I had so much admiration for and the man that I was so blessed to call “dad”.

It was a big motivation for me to be the best dad possible for our children throughout this ordeal.

And thank you thank you for continuing to follow me and offer your support. It makes me feel like I can do this.

I have no doubt that you can do it.

[kolja]

I’m glad that you and others enjoy reading, because I feel reluctant to post given where I find myself and the pain that I know all too well of many on these forums ... As I mentioned to BM above, I am happy that my story might help others.

That's why you don't need to feel reluctant Aside from just being happy for you, I know I get inspiration seeing that it CAN happen, and getting an idea of what it looks like when it does. I'd still like to think my road might one day lead in the same direction and it's nice to get a look at what it's like. But even if it doesn't, it's nice to see someone in that position!

[2chiquitos]

Wishing you all the best!!!!

[LITB]

As each of us makes our way through our journey, one of the key components of our healing is forgiveness. It is certainly something that I have struggled with.

I wanted to share this song as it speaks of forgiveness much better than I can express.

Matthew West - Forgiveness

The inspiration for the song certainly puts things into perspective.

Matthew West's latest song "Forgiveness" is based on a true story of Renee, who lost her 20 year old daughter as a result of being hit by a drunk driver. The driver was sentenced to 22 years in prison, but it didn't take away the bitterness that Renee felt. It wasn't until Renee visited the driver, Eric, in prison and forgave him that she was able to experience true freedom from the anger she harnessed inside. Not only that, but Renee asked the judge to release Eric early, so that he could join her speaking around the country on the dangers of drunk driving.

[zig]

thank you for posting this LITB - i think it speaks to all of us

hope things are going well for you. you haven't updated in a while, and i for one am waiting:)

zig

[needgrace]

Thank you, LITB. I needed to hear this story today bc I have been thinking a lot about how to be more forgiving.. more full of grace.

It is an old song (I think she was around 16 when she sang it) but I like "My Father's Eyes" by Amy Grant.

How are you? I hope all is going well for you and your family.

[Carnac]

LITB,
Thanks for your story. We've been seperated only 4 weeks and today has been the only day ive doubted and your story is an inspiration to me today to keep working as hard as I have been. I have my S11 with me tonight and we took a walk around the neighborhood and just chatted and his heart is so pure and he reminded me that when this is all worked out we'll be better. I almost teared up listening to the pure heart of a child explain to me that it was going to work out.

I also appreciate your verses. My son and I have always had a special one as well
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jermiah 29:11.

I helped him learn it when he was very young and its always been special to us and in this time of trial it has become one of the greatest strengths for me.

[LITB]

Zig and NG,

Thank you for dropping by my thread. You both seem to be doing very well these days.

The "Forgiveness" song certainly had me thinking today. I had to share it as it did speak to me.

Journaling:
As my W and I begin piecing our marriage back together, today I got a glimpse of some of the challenges that lie ahead.

We are selling most of our belongings in NM and we had a little miscommunication. We have 2 ATVs that we are selling and she had a tentative buyer on the line. I was fully aware of the buyer, however it wasn't a done deal.

During lunch today, I sent her a text message letting her know someone else might be interested and I was asking them $1K more. Her response: "okay". One would think we are on the same page. About an hour later, she sends me a message saying that the deal with the first person is "a done deal".

It annoyed me, because she could have simply told me that the first person was probably a sure thing. She was annoyed with me, because we agreed on a price and she felt that I went over her head.

Not a big deal in the big picture, however I felt like it was a great opportunity to learn from. I let her know that I was upset and I wasn't going to internalize my feelings. I told her that I will let her know when something upsets me and she should do the same when I upset her.

Initially she apologized, but then she dug in her heels and it felt like the same old M. She was focused on the ATV's and to be honest, she drew me in. I was frustrated. I felt like she wasn't hearing me. We finally let the misunderstanding go and ended the call on a positive note.

I had a taste of what my life would look like without my W in it and I learned to enjoy it. What I am saying is that I recognize that my tolerance level for petty silliness is very low. This next stage is going to take some patience while my W catches up. Not to mention, I still have a long way to go myself as we transition back into a family.

[LITB]

LITB,
Thanks for your story. We've been seperated only 4 weeks and today has been the only day ive doubted and your story is an inspiration to me today to keep working as hard as I have been. I have my S11 with me tonight and we took a walk around the neighborhood and just chatted and his heart is so pure and he reminded me that when this is all worked out we'll be better. I almost teared up listening to the pure heart of a child explain to me that it was going to work out.

Carnac,

Thanks for stopping by. I am glad that my story has provided some inspiration for you today. There are many success stories scattered throughout the forums.

I will try to catch up on your sitch soon.

I agree, children are very intuitive and much brighter than we give them credit for. You have a sharp S11.

Hope you are doing better this evening.