The last few weeks have been much better. I believe I have made progress, personally, in my relationships, and professionally.
Following DIL’s wishes I have always texted before stopping by their apartment. I have spent several afternoons in the last few weeks visiting with her and playing with GD while my son was working late. This has given us an opportunity and I have taken advantage of the time. She is getting to know me and form her own opinions about who I am. I had an advantage here as we are both Marines and have a few life experiences in common.
She had a minor crisis about two weeks ago, and asked me if I could assist. In the larger scheme of life this was a very small bump in the road, but I was able to help and was willing to do so. She needed to board their dogs at the last minute and the dog’s vaccinations had expired. So my Mastiff and I had overnight guests for a couple of days, a Teacup Chihuahua and a Puggle. I also fed the cats at their apartment while they were away. I already had a key to feed the cats so I picked the dogs up after they left and dropped them off a few hours before they arrived home leaving the key on a hook.
And yes alarm bells were going off in my head warning me I was stepping into rescuer territory. The difference here is I have no expectations. I was able to help, so I did, and then I moved on.
Their (Son and DIL) birthdays were last weekend. They were born on the same day two years apart. This being the odd year it was DIL’s. I have not asked if this makes them age half as fast. SIL2 had planned a surprise party that fell through and I do not think they even know. SIL1 ended up babysitting overnight and we managed a little surprise for them when they stopped by to pick up GD. I held GD while last minute preparations occurred and while we visited before cutting the cake. A picture of me holding GD during the party was posted to FB by my son. That act held significance to me.
Yesterday I visited DIL and GD to drop off some mail and ended up staying for about 4 hours. DIL thanked me for visiting and conversing with her. This morning I was invited to breakfast with them and downtown for a parade. I went to breakfast, but I could not watch the parade with them.
Last week I signed the last document linking X and me, the house has been refinanced. The lowered payment should permit me to build the emergency fund back up, save a little more for retirement and begin to live a little.
And professionally? It a long boring story to most, suffice to say I am busier than a one armed wall paper hanger in a west Texas windstorm.
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
SIL2 had planned a surprise party that fell through and I do not think they even know. SIL1 ended up babysitting overnight and we managed a little surprise for them when they stopped by to pick up GD. I held GD while last minute preparations occurred and while we visited before cutting the cake. A picture of me holding GD during the party was posted to FB by my son. That act held significance to me.
