Plot Twist . . . cont'd

If you've been here before, you know that my son was estranged from our family for a very long time.

Today I will share with you what has been truly the most heartbreaking experience of my life.

My son met his future bride at a wedding, she was attending from abroad.

They courted long distance taking turns visiting each other's countries. We liked her, and my son was over the moon in love.  They were married in 2006 and she moved countries to be with him.

Shortly after they were married, her behaviour toward us changed; at first subtle and then not so much.  By 2010, when they had their first child, we had limited access to the baby, and tensions high. 

We saw our grandchild for the last time on her first birthday.

Most of the family gave up, frustrated and confused by her contempt for us, and his complete lack of 'fight' for his family. We barely recognized him anymore at that point.

I kept trying, as mothers will, to stay in touch, to keep communicating. I wasn't above begging, and did, more than once.

And then ...

TO BE CONTINUED 

 Hello All!

Oh, my! It's been a while!!

How have you all been? How's life treating you?

xo 

Plot Twist

All I can say is, never say never.

After 66 years on this planet, I can honestly say:

You never know.

Family

There's a wall in my basement coffee/dessert bar adorned by these images.  Each one represents a family member by their favourite sweet.

The lineup is by age, oldest to youngest. My son doesn't know about the wall of sweets; he's never seen it.

He hasn't seen the renovated kitchen, the rose garden, or the back deck.

And we haven't seen him.

Not since 2012 when he estranged himself from us.

I miss him.

My husband

Me

My son

My daughter

Packing For The Trip

 I am getting organized for a trip to Portugal.

It's been a while since this girl has been on vacation. I'm looking forward to being by the ocean and eating fresh sea food.

We are travelling with two other couples, so it should be fun. I need some laughs.

See you when I get back!

I'm A Work In Progress

Well, I won't lie, losing my best friend, Ben, last summer has really kicked my ass. I haven't found my 'footing' yet, but gardening has kept my head above water at least.

I'm not sure if I will find a new friend, but I am giving fostering some serious thought.

Can't focus on painting, reading or much of anything other than gardening and being outdoors.

What are you up to? 

Hope life is treating you well,

 Hello! Is anybody out there?

I know I've been absent (more absent than usual) but I'm okay.

Life goes on . . . and on ;) And we push forward. 

A memory of happier days.

Hope you're well,