Second roller coaster ride (2)

[Card29]

I just had a phone call with W's aunt. I knew she'd contact me as soon as she found out. FIL finally had to tell somebody, so he told his sister, his closest sibling. W doesn't know that her aunt knows. It was a similar conversation to the one I had with SIL. She probably had the best perspective of anyone outside of our marriage. She's known something was seriously wrong with W for a while. I filled her in on some of the details, because, again, I see her as one of the best voices in W's life. She knows W is going through a lot and agrees that her fixing her own stuff is the most critical part of this entire situation.

Before the call, she suggested and I agreed that it remain just between us, not telling FIL or W. And we made no plans for more phone calls. She said I'd always be part of their lives, that they all love D11 like a niece. We agreed that this is not the end of our relationships, but it will be best to give the situation space for however long W needs her space. So no plans for more phone calls, etc.

Similar to the other calls, it felt good to confirm that I'm loved by them, but I also know I can't use them as a pillar of support. I have friends and family for that, plus this forum, counseling and the grief recovery class.