Shakspr #3; Love's Labours Lost

[Shakspr]

Thank you all so very, very much.

I have already begun focusing on me and the kids, made all the lunches, got the kids up and out this morning and reassured them that I love them - frequently.

When W asked where I was taking the kids during the weekend that she is moving, I said that I was going to my brother's. She and that sister-in-law have never gotten along well.

She said "That's just hilarious. They never wanted us around before. Your brothers are great, but they let their wives do and say whatever, just hoping that it will get better on its own."

I said, "You know what, you're right. And I intend to do my best to correct those things that allowed division in my extended family. How could I have handled it better?"

She gave some suggestions, "for your new life and maybe whoever you are with next." I said thank you, and that I wasn't doing it for whoever's next. I'm doing it for now, because it's right. It needs to be done.

A 180 for me in action. Hurting like never before, faced with a question that I could have allowed to become inflammatory, I sought her counsel rather than throwing her words back in her face. And learned from it.