I've got A LOT of learning left to do !

Thanks for the comments, even the really honest one!

I've been thinking a lot about some of the statements made, and I know you're right. Letting go is a very hard thing for me to do. I let go once before (I thought it was the 'right' thing to do at the time) and HOLY COW, WAS I WRONG!

I have this deep-seeded need to fix things (mostly people). You can ask anyone close to me, I will offer my "help" as often as I can - like it or not. I have a hard time remembering that something that I say in an effort to improve something, often comes across as nagging and nit-picking. My intentions are good, but not as well expressed as I think.

When I see a situation that I've been through, especially with my kids, I try to give my 'lessons-learned' insight to them so that they won't have to go through the hurt that I did. I doesn't work. I guess sometimes I just have to let my kids fall down on their own. Otherwise, they'll never learn how to get back up again.

I did get a chance to talk to Heather last night, and I think she is starting to drift back toward home. I didn't push the issue, it wasn't the time or place. She's not feeling well, and we spent some time last night figuring out what was wrong. The dotctors finally decided that she's got a nasty stomach virus that's been going around. Definitely not fun, but not really life-threatening.

When she does come home, I'm going to take the path of 'mutual respect'. More voluntary communication based on courtesy, not on 'rules'. MUCH LESS outright bold-faced lying on her part, and MUCH LESS passing judgement and scrutiny on my part. I'll just have to wait and see how it goes.

Thank you again for all your support and insight! It is ALL appreciated and considered.

We are, by nature, pack animals and I couldn't ask for better a pack. No matter how spread out we are.