This is good news and a light in that dark tunnel in which you have been walking for some time. I am sure you are being cautious (very smart to get out of her way before 'bedtime') and will take care of your boundaries. And I take away both great encouragement and a lesson for myself from your handling of the Crash itself. It really sounds as though you said ALL the right things!!!!!!!!!! You let her have her dignity, you showed how she HAS made progress in developing her career in the midst of taking care of her family, and how very kind and true of you to point out that she is NOT beholding to you for the success or failure of her business, you've just made it easier - as a FRIEND - to give her a head start...the work will be her own. I think you're right that she pushes you away, loathing herself for loving you because it is all bound up with need at this time. If she can have the time and space to unravel this need (and you are giving time and space with willingness and generosity), she might be able to separate these two oh-so incompatiable emotions, stand on her own, and start, perhaps, to see her way back home. Keep on fighting the good fight...you're doing wonderfully, Frank!
