Carla- it is Sam who deserves the thank you - and Luella..... but from my heart I thank YOU for dropping by and taking the time to post in this wonderful thread.

Neil

Hi Sam, Luella and everyone!!!

Hi again Luella,

 I am so touched by some of your responses in this forum.  I feel as if I am getting to know you, and am even more admiring of you now than ever.  I was particulary taken with your reply to Neil Sterling.  You seemed to "reach out and touch".  That, my friend is a true gift.

A couple of times, it has been mentioned that we must ask forgiveness from those we have wronged and hurt.  It is like the 4th step in AA - coming clean.  One thing I have discovered is that not everyone is as anxious to forgive as we are to receive the forgiveness.  I experienced that once and it took a long time before I came to the realization that the other's unwillingess to forgive is OK.  And though the perfect scenario is for us to forgive, ask forgive it and receive it, it does not always happen that way. 

The key is to not let the other party's unforgiving nature to set us back.  We have to let it go, and move on.  Know that we have done the "right thing".  Going deep down inside and saying now I forgive myself and this is done.  Finding gratitude in the days that lie ahead and gratitude for all of those who did forgive.  And at last peace.  The peace of the prayer that says so accurately, that there are some things we cannot change and finding the acceptance in that fact.

This forum is so thought provoking.  I will continue to return and read.  I am learning so much about my fellow Adlanders here, and am grateful for the opportunity to not only know them better, but to accept them more readily as "totally connected"

God bless!

Judy

Luella,, You are the most courageous woman of all. Very smart and to humble at times.;-)

I am so very proud to be your friend and to see you here posting for all of us to learn from you. I Sincerely say it is a pure pleasure in knowing you my friend.

(((Lots of Hugs)))

What a wonderful job of putting this all together, Sam! Your talent for joining people together for a common purpose in love and respect is one of the most marvelous things a community could have. We are so lucky to have you.

And Neil, your story, while personal is so to the point of this forum. The bitterness that accompanies some divorces causes so much suffering to innocent children. It must be/have been very difficult for you and I salute your bravery and ability to truly act in love.

After reading the responses here, I'd like to thank Sam, Neil, Branka, Judy and Luella for the kind remarks and most especially give thanks for Luella's heartfelt responses to everyone.

This is such a great forum!

I'm off now to send some PMs to friends to let them know it is here.

Thank you all for coming!

Judy