<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> I am not at all familiar with the latest prenatal innovations and I am very concerned for her. I know that they want to have many children and having this much trouble with their first is certainly demoralizing for them. <hr></blockquote><p>I just wanted you to know that my first child was a difficult and premature labor and I was in the hospital for ages. With technology the way it is today, it's amazing how well everything does turn out.<p>My most difficult pregnancy turned out to be my first one and I've had full term and trouble-free pregnancies since then and I have four children now and Lord willing, would like one more...<p>Please keep us updated on your dil's situation as you know and I'll be praying for you and your family...<p>Hugs and prayer,
Twiisty

Twisty<p> Thanks for your kind words of encouragement and prayers. I do feel better about her condition right now since she hasn&#8217;t had any contractions since Sunday. Great news don't you think!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] <p> I guess my aversion to extended hospital stays is related to my past experiences. Many of the people closest to me have never returned from their last visit to one. After all I have lost both of my parents, my brother, two of my very best friends, MIL and FIL so it is too easy to equate hospitals to pain and dying. I am trying to focus on them as places of healing and joy but my mind keeps drifting back to the macabre.<p>
There is more good news relating to this disturbing situation. I received a note this morning from my son asking both of us to visit again next Monday night. W and I cried tears of joy when I told her she was invited back. Perhaps the mortar in the brick wall is beginning to crumble. Let&#8217;s hope so.<p> I think our son is showing strength in a vulnerable time. Sometimes the small steps are the hardest for us to take.<p> Early this morning (before opening my e-mail) I was really down on myself thinking that perhaps I was a major part of the problem in reconciliation and it wasn&#8217;t my place to be a mediator but I am encouraged by the latest turn of events. The timing was perfect. <p> I still feel that way about my oldest son because I feel that he still has some issues with me relating to his childhood. When I call to talk to him and he doesn&#8217;t answer himself , it seems like he is always too busy to talk unless he needs something. I have apologized for being as demanding and stern as I was when he was young.(Yes I did spank him when we thought it was necessary. It is no excuse but that is the way I was raised.) Maybe I will have to take the Jewish approach (I can&#8217;t remember the word since it is not my religon) and apologize three times and let God take care after that.<p> I will try to keep you updated.<p>
Thanks again and God Bless<p>
ULA

ULA,<p>Good news about your youngest son. [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] I think of all the things you should doubt, the one thing that you shouldn't is your role as the intermediary in this situation. I hope that some day your W appreciates how much you have done for her inspite of what she has done to you.<p>As for your oldest child, I doubt it is something that you did as much as how he justifies what he has or hasn't done. I know of few parents that don't have the best interest of the child at heart when they make decisions about discipline or anything else. We have all made mistakes, but most children come to realize they were mistakes of care and love.<p>I know when I look back that sure are a few things I would like a do over on, but there is no such thing so it is up to the children to deal with it and understand.<p>You and W seem to be doing well. Congratulations.<p>God Bless,<p>JL