For those of you have been following my reconciliation process over the last 8 months I have positive news! My ED addressed me as "Mom" yesterday in an email. Last month she started signing her emails "Love." Baby steps my friends, baby steps. It has took 4 years to break through with reconciliation, and a few short months to see really positive steps. We are vacationing with her and her fiance whom we have never met in June. It will only be a dinner and a full day of activities the next day, but WOW what progress from absolute silence for 4 years. They have not met my husband either so it will be an adventure. I vow to stay positive, and still maintain healthy boundaries through this process. With both of us residing in different states it will take time, but slow and steady can win the race.
My ES on the other hand has refused to walk through the cracked door and may never be able to make the step towards removing bitterness and darkness from his life. I can't do this for him. I can only leave the door cracked open if he is ever inspired by his sisters leap of faith. I will not give up on him, but neither will I continue to send bday and Christmas cards. I need to respect his wishes in hopes that one day he may come full circle. Life is never fair and the paths we walk can be rocky, but if we keep our healthy boundaries in place and our eyes on the light, we will reach the top of the mountain my friends.