The fat lady is warming up....

[I_Wanna_Make_It_Work]

OF - I worried in the past that you not only shut the door, but latched it shut. I think you did the right thing. You've given her a little hope (if she wanted it).

Some of the baby steps and your W's feeling you listed were the same issues my W brought up - so it is textbook. I think you're doing the right thing by at least keeping the door cracked. And though you may of not previously paved the road home - I think you'e at least cleared the brush away.