I haven't been here in ages, but I loved this story in the NY Times and couldn't think of anyone else (other than you all here) who would appreciate it as much as I did. I'm still striving for the level of groundedness (is that a word?) that the author shows here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08.../02love.html?_r=1&em

Pearl!!!

You always have the best things to share. Thank you for that - it's wonderful.

How are you? Things are good? Can you believe another summer is nearly over?

Kids and I are getting ready to be off on our last big excursion of the season.

P

Just re-reading and I'm compelled to quote this:

“I don’t love you anymore. I’m not sure I ever did. I’m moving out. The kids will understand. They’ll want me to be happy.”

“It’s not age-appropriate to expect children to be concerned with their parents’ happiness. Not unless you want to create co-dependents who’ll spend their lives in bad relationships and therapy."

OMG I love that. I've been searching for those words for years (the pretty laser light pictures in my head do not always come with words) and she says it with utter perfection.

Children should not be 'understanding' 'concerned' or otherwise sacrifice their stability and happiness for their parents'. We're the grown ups - it's supposed to be the other way around!

I love that quote so much I added it to my sig line.

P

Hi Penny!

I love that line, too! Things are good with me. Not fairy-tale, happily ever after good, but good. We're having a very fun summer, but it's been super-busy without a break. We have one more excursion planned as well, and after that I need a month off just to relax and recover (in my dreams!).

That was an awesome story! Thanks for sharing it Pearl.

Hi Pearl! Let's get together sometime, eh?

Hi J! I would love that!