Strangest day ever. W got into town around noon. We sat around as a family for the first time since August for a couple of hours. D12 says she's been waiting for us to be together again. Minutes later we tell the girls we are getting a D. D12 has a meltdown. D8 doesn't fully understand and acts like everything is fine. We got D12 settled down, went to dinner as a family, drove around as a family looking at Christmas lights, and then go home to watch TV together. D12 has several crying episodes during the day. Otherwise, the day was like a normal day for us as a family. While watching TV, D12 says that maybe we can all get together and do this after the D. Maybe we can continue to look at Christmas lights and other things families do together. W says "maybe" while I just kind of sit there quietly thinking that this is the last time we'll do these things together. The D will be final in nine days.
I handled the day splendidly in my mind. I know I caused doubt to creep into W's mind. I listened. I charmed. I remained calm, cool, and collected. However, like FS has said there's too much momentum to stop the D and one day of actual FTF time isn't going to stop that. I'll be alright without her, but it just feels so unnecessary. I am a better version of myself.
