FAMILY TIES --- I think April 18 was a breakthrough... all 4 of us were talking like a bunch of grown-ups in the driveway of my Brothers' place -- sharing experiences...growing pains...key learnings... the whole psychology of Mom & how to deal with her... among other things. It was interesting really. All those hurtful words exchanged 9 months ago were tucked away... making the night comforting... almost healing. Of course, we have to go through the whole routine of talking to our folks. Each going through a roll-call. Mom went through her usual sobbing on the other line... worrying a bit too much about her eldest, grown-up daughter (not me). I had to reassure her that all is well -- things are going to be even better. My Dad, sweet as always, asked me how looked like these days... if I were keeping myself beautiful... he always thought I was beautiful (as all Dads think of their daughters). And of course my answer was -- "As beautiful as my Handsome Dad!". Makes me think they ought to see us more often than twice a year. Maybe they should come visit?