I can’t contain my joy any longer because I have had a wonderful couple of days, and I want to share it with all of you here. 

First my W was granted a visit with our granddaughter last night for the first time since she was born and although our son maintained his aloof demeanor towards his mother the visit did go well and it is a promising start. (She is a beautiful baby) 

More importantly our oldest son invited his mother to see him Sunday for the first time in almost two years and the sight of them hugging and crying in each others arms was one of the most moving events I have witnessed in my life. I myself had to leave the room to keep our grandson from seeing me weep and asking why.

We only hope that this breakthrough continues to develop and some contact can be continued.

These two occurrences combined with my imminent retirement have made me happier than I have been for a seeming eternity. I feel like a very lucky man. 

I do sympathize with all of you here now enduring what seems like never ending pain and I sincerely hope that some day you can feel the love for your spouse and the renewed hope for your families that I have today. I know for some of you that is not possible because of imminent D’s but perhaps a happy closure is in your future soon.

God Bless

ULA

ULA,

This is very good news. I am glad to hear that this has made you so happy, you surely deserve it. I do hope that this helps your W see things differently and that she learns to appreciate you more. As for retirement, I don't know whether to congratulate you or feel sorry. I mean what are you going to do with all that free time. As someone who can in "theory" retire now (kids still in college), I am anxious to hear about this. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

In any event Congratulations.

JL

Oh, this is wonderful news, ULA. I couldn't be more thrilled for you and I thank you for sharing this with us.

Miracles do happen and families are reunited and there are happy endings...all one has to do is have faith and trust in the Lord that His will be done.

God bless

Catnip =^^=

I am happy for you and your wife, what great progress. May God keep blessing you and your family.

Congradulations!!!!!!!!!!

ULA,

What wonderful developments in your life! I am so happy for you and your wife. Your younger son will come around ... babies have a way of working their magic on everyone and softening their hearts.

best wishes for continued growth in the right direction,
heavenly

Wow... I'm so happy for your wife reuniting with her sons. May I ask what prompted your oldest to see his mom? Interesting how he has been missing his mom for all this time. He really needs his mom's love. I'm soooo happy to hear this wonderful news. You must be on cloud nine! I agree with your prayer that there would be continued contact. HEY! Just in time for the holidays too! Terrific!!!

JL
I have many plans for retirement outside of W&#8217;s to-do list, (I never was one to pay too much attention to lists) and I know that my sons have plans for me also. Sometimes it is a disadvantage to be a retired carpenter. Claims of &#8220;I can&#8217;t&#8221; are not as easily swallowed when others feel you now have all the time in the world.

W and I are both looking forward to spending more quality time together since I can now release her from some more of the household chores that she currently does. (I don&#8217;t think she will ever allow me to do the laundry again. Long amusing story there)
I enjoy so many outdoor activities (golf, fishing, boating, running, flying RC airplanes, swimming, watching wildlife) that I really should move to a place where the weather will change to suit my needs each day. Ha!

Seriously, I hope to find enough time to do the things that I really want to do. In speaking to my retired friends that seems to be their biggest problem, finding time. I think it may be like being the kid in the candy shop again.

I enjoy wood working, bird carving, painting, model building not to mention that I am a voracious reader so I think I can amuse myself when the weather doesn&#8217;t cooperate.

I also plan to rejoin the community clubs that I have had to drop from due to work commitments over the years.

We both enjoy traveling as long as I don&#8217;t have to drive too much. I feel that sitting in traffic is the biggest time waster in modern society with the possible exception of network television.

One last thing I plan is to get a puppy again (sorry Catnip but W is not a cat lover). It has been a very long time since we have had a pet around and I am ready for one. Who can resist an animal that is always happy to see you no matter how you look or feel.

BTDT
I have no answer as to why our oldest son finally found the courage to face his mother again. I can only speculate that he has made some changes in his life recently (first family vacation ever for him, reopening his business and quitting a job he was unhappy with) as well as the birth of a niece. As has been stated many times, a new baby has profound far reaching effects on everyone.What I am sure of is how happy it makes W and me feel.

Catnip
I am sure that the Lord had a large hand in this as well, thanks to the prayers of all here.

MOF , Jennie and Heavenly
Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement.

God Bless

ULA