Am I ready for this?

[reachingHigher]

Hi Mtnman!

I'm glad you shared what is going on with W. I've been thinking about it all afternoon. Did the family treat your W that way before your FIL became ill?

IOW, was her dad her only supporter? Were they jealous b/c she was daddy's girl?

It seems she was feeling very un-lovable. Certainly she KNOWS you love her, but she needed to hear it. I think it was more about her feeling unloveable, not actually questioning your love for her. And maybe guilty about the boys defending her when her actions haven't been good lately in being a mom or wife.

It sounds like, after hearing more from you about her position in the family, she has some things to work out to become her own woman, before she can return and take her place side-by-side with you as W.

And, typical for MLC, she doesn't know how to go about doing it so she flounders around in the land of parties, dress up and alcohol looking for something to make her feel good, b/c her fears are too great to do the right thing!

I think you have to do what works, and you used a wink and at least let her know she was loved but in a light-hearted way. Remember, we have to do what works.

Thinking of you tonight,
Wishing you strength and courage,
rH