I interacted with X on Saturday. The county auditor sent a refund check to me. I forwarded it to X so she could determine how she was contributing to accessing the money it represented. I had sat on it for about a week trying to determine this myself and finally decided to make it her responsibility. I was prepared to write the whole thing off if it came to that.

We met at her bank and while waiting in line we spoke casually. I was neither warm nor cold responding to her inquires. I did not wish to volunteer information. I was relaxed during most of it. She was unnaturally happy and bubbly. I do not know if this was nerves or delusion. Most of her comments were directed toward how great her relationship is with our Son, DIL and GD.

I do not know how true that is, perhaps they have mended fences. I hope so provided it remains healthy for them to maintain the relationship.

Most of the extended family began gathering at SIL1 house on Sunday. I was invited to family breakfast and spent several pleasant hours with them. The eldest niece brought her new BF home to meet family over the Thanksgiving holiday.

I have been invited to participate in Thanksgiving with family at SIL2 house. X, SIL1 and SIL2 are not friendly yet. X has decided to host her own Thanksgiving celebration. Although my presence is a factor in the strain a deeper cause is X’s insistence everyone must support her and her decisions.

The crazy dance continues. I stand on the sidelines and watch. I am not prepared to move on. This is my family also and moving on feels like abandoning them. At this juncture abandoning these relationships feels like martyrdom.

I am not a martyr. I am JS. Over 30 years I have been father, brother, and friend. This is my post. I still have something to teach and the kids are watching.

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