Last Thurs., Guard & I took the kids, piled in the car and drove 15 hours to St. Louis to attend the Sun. Rams game. (Guard huge Ram fan, always has been). The Rams board that he frequents had set this game as "Herdfest" with about 75 posters attending a picnic...<P>Pretty crazy stuff. A lot of really pale computer guys . I, of course, am Mrs. Guard. I've read on that board, and it is amazing how some people look exactly as you'd expect & others...<P>We also tailgated before the game, and when we were leaving after the game, one of the guys came up and hugged us and said, "Man you two are so beautiful together, thanks for coming."<P>It was a GREAT weekend & so nice to just be a couple and realize that our family dynamics are getting to be as normal as any family with 12 & 15 year old girls.<P>Although, there was one moment, when someone said, "you've been married 17 years, how did you do it." Guard & I shared a look. I think I said something like "there are good years, there are bad years, you just don't both give up at the same time."<P>The other crazy thing was Guard had a conference to go to in San Diego this week, so he flew out of Kansas City and just me & the 15 year old were the drivers for home.<P>And for the first time in a long time, years maybe? I cried at the airport because I would miss my husband. And when we got home, there was a message from Guard saying how much he already missed us.<P>I almost can't believe how much our relationship has healed since he has moved home permanantly in Aug, yes he's been home since May, but those first months were a lot of concentration as we worked to discard the coping methods & bad habits we had developed over 2 years of being estranged and/or separated. This weekend was so easy, no strain or triggers or unnatural silences. And, if you can get along after 15 hours riding in a car, plus 2 more days of togetherness...well, the sky's the limit!<P>I think I have also learned to enjoy the good times, just as they are, not letting the past intrude, or worry about the future.<P>------------------<BR>Lor<BR>"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."<BR>(Proverbs 15:1).

:0<BR> <BR> <P>Very very happy for you.<P>

<P>Wonderful, isn't it? So proud of both of you.<P>love,<P>Lori

Cool!! Happy for you!

Hi Lor,<P>I love good news, especially now. I believe that things will continue to improve for the two of you, and hope you will keep sharing your success with us.<P>Peppermint

Lor:<P>Congrats on the game Sunday!! Fun trip for all, that is great. <P>You mentioned you cried at the airport this time. How funny cuz I cried at the airport this past weekend when I took my husband so he could go to class in Philly til Thursday. I am counting the moments til his return. I was scared for his flight, missing him. I cried most of the way home and for me that was just 45 minutes. We talk daily, but not the some huh?!!!!<P>I am so happy things are going great for you, cuz you and Guard deserve this happiness.<P>Best wishes,<BR>Judy

<P>YAYYYYY GOD!<P>lizzie<P>(still cooking along here, too!)

You go girl!!<P>Starpony

Wohoo Lor (& Guard!)<P>------------------<BR>Prayers & God Bless!<BR>Chris<BR>For relationship info check out <A HREF="http://www.pcisys.net/~chriscal1/resources.html" TARGET=_blank>Marriage & Relationship Resources</A>

Lor,<P>So happy for you and Guard! You definately are a testimony to the POPW! Be sure and post this praise over there! <P>Blessings, Taj<P>------------------<BR>"Perfect love casts out fear" I John 4:18

Thanks everybody.<P>I just wanted to share that things can go from wretched & divorce paperwork begun last March to pretty-all-right in 6 months. It's just the 18 months before that that were such awfulness. Can't say enough good things about Plan A--especially since experiencing it AFTER I had done it myself for so long & quit. (bad Lor!)<P>

Hi Lor,<P>I wanted to say congradulations to both of you. I am very happy when a couple survives this mess and moves on to a better relationship. It always gives hope.<P>

Lor and Gaurd,<P>Yea!! So glad to see a good post. You give the rest of us hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. <P>I just keep telling myself... time, give it time. Its so hard when you are in the midst of it though isn't it?<BR>Lora<P>

I am so glad to hear this, Lor! Talk to you soon, I hope!<P>------------------<BR>terri<BR><B>Courage</B><P>Whatever course you decide upon,<BR>there is always someone to tell you<BR>that you are wrong.<P>There are always difficulties arising<BR>which tempt you to believe that your <BR>critics are right.<P>To map out a course of action <BR>and follow it to an end <BR>requires courage.<P><I>Ralph Waldo Emerson</I>