Thanks for posting Wllowwlk, TG, Bustin, and Bulldogr,
TG & Bustin, I appreciate the props. This place was very hard to work toward, and every time I get complacent (with myself), I find myself starting to drift downward or out of center (whatever you might call it). Seems like living well takes great effort - for noone other than one's self.
Wllowwlk, I remember when you reached that place. And I remember my doubts that XW would ever have the capacity to be at or to have the insights that SO did at that time/place. But I've stopped trying to make sense of things, stopped making predictions, and just decided to let others be. I want her to be happy. And yet I will be happy as well, refusing to be miserable as a consequence of her leaving.
Things are still in play, with her calling me or S6 3 times/day since their return from Iowa. Lots of holiday talk, such as what to get S6, or discussions about her looking for a pet (cat) for them, but also some basic conversation.
This weekend, S6 and I had a blast together. I was fighting off a cold most of the time, but we still had indoor fun despite that and dreary weather. He got to go with me to a coaches meeting for a kid's basketball league - to start 3 weeks. A cute single-mom/coach seemed to single me out for introduction and conversation. A bit young for me, but fun to talk with. However cute she is, I'll still coach my team of wee folk to victory over her group of munchkins! Hmmm, maybe a wager of dinner?...Nah, I'm too old, and there's little in common.
Professional Lady called this morn to talk. We've been averaging 1 contact/day. I'm looking forward to a dinner date with her tomorrow, as we had a great convo in person last time. When I asked if we were still on at the start of the convo, she sounded hurt or surprised and said "I really hope we're still on." I need to rid myself of even the preface for rejection that I learned so well while with XW and just relax more/be more optimistic with these contacts.
Hmmm, maybe a wager of dinner?...Nah, I'm too old, and there's little in common. 