Great, great story! Yeah, the pull back thing can be difficult but leaving the door open is the best thing you can do, and about the only thing.
I've been in reunion for nine years and things between my Mother and myself have been good. I feel a little uncomfortable mostly because of the fact that I haven't had Mom since I was 17 (now 44), so the whole Mom concept is foreign after all this time. But, we're more like friends really. My birthfather split after a few months of reunion and that was and still is a painful spot for me. I did nothing wrong, he just wigged out and flew back into his "man cave". But I too left the door open and that's all I can do.
It's very overwhelming to all of us and I strongly feel we need to be well-read in all aspects of it to deal with it good enough. I seriously don't think the "grown ups" put enough time, reading and dredging up their feelings so they go back into denial or hide. It's sad cause we seriously don't need a second rejection!
Hang in there, and keep that door open! Sending pictures of the kids always has a softening affect too!!
Susan Lee
