The only thing you have is what you were born with.. and how you leave this place

@Serenitree At that final door... Can YOU say it is all good?

@MikefromEP No. it wasn't all good, but most of the bad was caused by my own bad choices.

@Serenitree And in that moment.. you face yourself :)

@MikefromEP Been there. Done that. It changed my life.

@Serenitree But on Ep you were soooo reserved :O

@MikefromEP I've not changed since then except that I'm happier. Most of the angst is over. My kids and grandkids are finally on track, except for one daughter and one granddaughter, and I've realized, that as they are both adults, and both have chosen to cut me out of their lives, I will have to let go. I won't shed anymore tears for that cause.

@Serenitree Not even sure how to respond to that

@MikefromEP No response is really necessary. When I was on EP, I was shedding a lot of tears. Some of them were because of my one daughter who kept throwing me away, and dragging me back. This last time, I've simply decided that I won't be dug out of the trash heap that she tossed me on this time. Her reasons are sick. She has disowned very other member of the family, including her nieces and nephews and one of her own children, and unless I cut all ties to those she will have nothing to do with, I'm dead to her. This means cutting ties with 17 other people I love and having just her and her one daughter. I won't do it.

@Serenitree Time heals

@MikefromEP I know, but I've been fighting this battle since she was 20. She's now 52. I'm done. Each time before I've taken her back into the fold with my arms and heart wide open. I'm too old for that anymore. And I won't throw away the rest of my family to appease her needs.

@Serenitree And at the same time.. you won't cast her out :)

@MikefromEP No. I'll be here for her if she falls on hard times. But I will never fully trust again. She is too volatile. And never stops demanding that I throw out the rest of the family. And any friends I have that she befriended and then decided she wants nothing to do with. I can't.

@Serenitree You found your stale mate of Chess

@MikefromEP No, more like I cut the rope she was hanging me with.

@Serenitree You might have cut a rope... but you are still in the moment

@MikefromEP Of course. Many years ago, I made a decision to never get lost again. It's far too upsetting for my kids. It took therapy and medication for my mood disorder, but I'm hanging in there. I live for life. Being in the moment is the only way to do that.