Since I took the trouble to login, and MAL "did ask" for an update I guess I'll take this opportunity to talk about what's going on.
R mending is proceeding, albeit at a maddeningly slow pace. W and I are on pretty good terms and all the kids seem to be doing well. For the most part, I've really dropped the rope. Didn't think I could ever really detach as much as I have but it has made a difference. I'm less agitated and have been able to be much more of a friend to her, which is what I think she wants.
Watching her go through the process of piecing things together is a big thing. The relationship with the kids is the best. Everyone kind of lowered their guard a long time ago, but the periods when the "old wounds" get opened are almost totally gone.
It's kind of funny sometimes when she brings something up now, or does something that she said she "hated" a couple of years ago. I usually succeed in acting like it's nothing unusual, but it registers. I still haven't figured out if she realizes it when these kind of things happen, but I'm not sure it makes a difference in the long run.
W loves her job and has started classes that will lead to a promotion. She suggested we go visit my parents and attend the family reunion this summer, so there are two trips we'll be making together...Another significant step.
OS is still in Texas, has a new girlfriend, a new job and seems to be doing well. He actually calls us every once in a while to let us know what's going on....Yes it's true, they do eventually grow up! I guess you can't just chase women all your life...SIGH!!!! Sooner or later one of them catches you!
D is going to school up here now. I think I mentioned that before. She changed her major this year which added another year to her plan. But that's OK...she can stay here for awhile, I guess... She decided we should have a vegetable garden so guess what I've been doing on the weekends? All things considered, I think the events of the past couple of years affected her more than the boys. It's nice to see her coming back to her old self.
YS is doing OK too. Like his older brother, he's grown up a little this past year too. He actually takes responsibility for stuff around the house, is still going to the local community college and actually working on a plan to go back to college fulltime. I've sort of accepted that he gave up the scholarship and has to figure it out for himself....but just when I decide to stop giving him advice. He asks me for some. Haven't figured that one out yet.
Bottom line is that they going to be OK...and the best part is that they don't ask me for money, at least not much.
So the family is doing OK. I think I am too. Still not ready to call it a victory, but we are definitely doing well in the campaign. It's been about 5 years now since everything fell apart, or rather, when I realized that everything had fallen apart. I think time, more than anything else has helped us get where we are. We'll see if I can stand waiting for the rest of it.
Well, that's enough for now. Talked mostly about the kids and stuff, but I'm doing OK too. Thinking about retirement...and the possibility of a getting a real job. Hate to think about that, but not sure I'll ever get anyone to agree to another move...and with this job it's inevitable. But that's a story for another time.
