This is the best thing that could happen. Lots of people, lots of good food...you will be safe and happy!
Are you doing all the cooking, or is everyone bringing something?
Cedar - I agree! At first I was dreading this party because it's a lot of work and I've been drained but all the preparations have kept me busy. I'm also looking forward to seeing everyone and having a yard full of family, friends, and laughter. As for the cooking, I'm doing the majority of it but some people are bringing side dishes and appetizers and desserts. We usually do it that way. Buy all of the main dishes, etc and have people bring the sides. It really helps cut down on prep time and expenses.
Thinking of you and praying for you and for difficult child.
Thank you pasa <3
You're going to have beautiful weather this weekend for your BBQ! Enjoy every minute of it. I'll be praying for your strength to handle whatever comes your way. Take care!
Thank you CJ! Yes the weather is going to be spectacular and I'm so happy about that. Usually it rains (or snows) every single time we have a party and this is a nice change. It's going to be sunny and in the 80's and NO HUMIDITY! Wooo hoooo!
And you will have the so welcome knowledge that he is somewhere, and he is not going to walk up the front sidewalk at any minute. That is an awful feeling, JKF, I have had it. I think that is where the PTSD comes from, living in that zone.
Oh COM. How I wish I had that right now. I'm rather on edge at the moment thinking he might appear at any time. The windows are locked (even though it's gorgeous out) and I have the front door barricaded with a heavy chair. How sad that I can't feel safe in my own home anymore. My best friend, who has known difficult child since birth, and who also happens to be the program coordinator for a group home for mentally ill adults, saw difficult child in the town where she works which is about 15 minutes from here. She saw him around 9 pm but he didn't see her. She said he looks like he's lost some weight (which he needed to) but he had a weird look on his face. Not anger, or sadness. Just a blank look. That scares me.
I am praying for difficult child. I am praying that somehow he has a spiritual awakening and can find a life for himself that is free of what his life has been.
Thank you COM for that specific prayer for difficult child. I, too, pray for that daily and I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer. The more prayers the better!
Wow, you have a lot on your plate and you are doing an amazing job of finding the good side..its good that he will have the cops after him, its great that easy child is going away, its good that you have a big party...you are a resilient woman. Not only that, you are totally right about all these things.
Nothing to add to the other wise women today, but know that I think of you every day.
Echo, you are quite resilient yourself! We warrior mom's have to be don't we? Thank you for all of your kind words and support and know that I also think of you every day as well.
Anyway, I'm going to try to relax tonight. I have to learn to live my life and not be in constant fear. If he's going to live in this area I have to accept that and get used to it but also make sure I'm prepared for the worst. Everything is locked up tight and I feel pretty calm. I've been cleaning and cooking all afternoon so I'm actually tired. I'm going to read a bit until I get sleepy and then head to bed. Thank you ALL again for your constant support. You're the ones who keep me going when I'm at my lowest and I will never ever be able to thank you all enough!