Jim!! Been thinking about you - my most local DB buddy. I'm sorry to hear about W - that's a tough one. But who knows how things are going with OM?? He may be in no way ready for step-parenting & run a mile! As you wisely say - you can only keep moving forward. Mr Bond recently posted that his W didn't speak civilly to him for a long time, and there was OP involved. But they ultimately R. Made me think of your sitch & wonder if reading his threads may help you?

Your exam comments made me think of Brene Brown! Daring greatly doesn't come without risk of failure. Have you read her stuff or seen the TED talks? When I was working & studying, I sometimes did just enough to pass. There's only so much of us to go around and we can't give our all to everything.

Good job with the trip & your Dad BTW! If you're looking for me, I decided to post in midlife crisis for my new thread....

Take care lovely Jim!! ((((Jim))))

T 13 M 7
Me 48 H 46
SS 15
BD 7.14 PA
D final 5.16 (H filed)

We receive & we lose, and must try to achieve gratitude & embrace with whole hearts whatever of life that remains after the losses - Dubus