I wanted to share this with you - yesterday something happened that I never thought would.

I met my lovely step-sister again after 25 years - I can not begin to explain how wonderful it was spending those few hours with her yesterday, how good it was to hug and be hugged back with such warmth and love.  We didnt talk about the past, only the most recent past in terms of our adult lives, we talked about the here and now, the future, laughed, chatted and yet more laughing.

The reason why we didnt see each other for such a long time is complex, and Im not sure I even understand why - but I do

We got Max, a long haired german shepperd in 2000, when twins were 15yrs old, our eldest 3yrs and youngest 1yr.

Max immediately looked after our family and home from day one. He was 18months old.

The boys used to play with him like a horse, he was always gentle.

The twins used to take him for walks after school and he also walked over the fields with our two little boys before playschool, nursery or primary school. I must have looked a bit weird when I had toddler on my shoulders, other son by hand, and hairy dog on lead in other hand, but we enjoyed our walks.

I even took Max out for a few runs

I stayed up until 4am again to prep for chronology and questions on stbx's form e, financial statement.

I made a sandwich for lunch and took it to the park, sat next to the lake and enjoyed the sunshine, relaxed, just for a little bit. I am exhausted.

 I returned home this evening to the boys watching telly, probably too hot, as it has been 32 degrees today. And stbx on skype talking to g/f in serbia, saying "darling" and "i love you", "I miss you" (I try not to be sick).

But not as sick as I felt when I overheard him talk about my parents. The are in contact with him and told him they are