[Scorpio66]

Now that Michelle has been incorporated into my family for a few months, she is coming with us on a family vacation. While there, she will be meeting a few of my cousins and their families (her biological 2nd cousins), I am hoping that by meeting extended family, she will see how much she is like many of them. Who ever new that personality traits could have so much genetic influence, more than most people give them credence for. In my exerience with Michelle, I have found her to be more like me than any other person I have known. Considering she knew nothing about me until she was 18 and met me less than a year after that, the only thing I can attribute these similarities to is genetics. It is unbelievable to watch her and listen to her, only to see or hear something that reminds me so much of myself at her age. I find it somewhat amuzing that she is always commenting how much I am like her, when the reality of it is that she is like me! She hasn't quite figured out yet how come I have such an uncanny way of anticipating her responses yet she can't do the same with me.
Good news (I think) with Adad, he has told me that he is VERY impressed with how well she is doing, and that he sees tremendous changes for the positive in her actions and behaviors. He has dropped one of his "moratoriums" which was that if she wanted to communicate with him, it had to be through me only, and is now at least texting and speaking with her a few times a week. She has promised me that she will make it a point to see him this coming week, before we leave for vacation. She and I and my husband have been discussing some of her "issues" (she brings it up, we just follow suit) and I think she is figuring out that the only way she can have a relationship with him is to accept him at face value and know that it is what she has to work with. She is modifying her behavior to be more accepting of him, for which I am greatful! He, having noticed these changes, is warming up a little. I am hopeful that their relationship will continue to re-grow in positive directions, for both their sakes.
It is still overwhelming, working with Michelle, at least I have figured out how to reach her, which I guess is half the battle, as she has made progress by leaps and bounds in a very short time. She just needed someone she could trust that could guide her and teach her, as adad couldn't ever do this for her. I thank God every day that she obviously feels this way with me, as well as my husband.
Thanks once again for all the support that has been out there! Hugs to all!

[browneyes0707]

Scorpio:

Thanks for the update! I'm glad to hear things are improving and I hope they continue to go well!!!