As mentioned everything went swimmingly with my wife's family. We had lunch today with her oldest sister (who wasn't able to make dinner the night before) and that was really nice. She teared up at one point, just starting to say how sorry she was for what I'd been through... and I cut her off and told her that I'm really happy right here and now, so there's really no reason for anyone to be sorry about anything.
I could tell she was also a bit anxious about names, pronouns and the likes, so for the second time in two days (and, I imagine, what will became old hat in short order) my little speech about how I don't want anyone ever to be on pins and needles, and language from those who love and support me will never bother me in the slightest. I could tell that registered and was appreciated. So my wife and I agreed that is definitely going on my "Greatest Hits" album.
On our ride home we finalized the roster for the round #1 group of friends for this week. We debated if there would be a round 2 and 3, or just a round 2 and then deal with things on a case-by-case basis.
But we also thought why not just send those letters out tonight and get the ball rolling?
Well, after a wonderful dinner and catch-up chat with the boy... as we sat watching TV, I turned to my wife and just said "first of all, I am sorry - we have tried very hard not to make all this the focus of our lives, and for the last two weeks it's been like the circus is in town. And they've been extended at least one more week. And secondly... I do not want to send out the letters tonight. I need a night off."
She was fully on board with "and on the eighth day, they rested" theory as well... so I'll work on the letters tomorrow.
Ok, cluster headache time (or maybe not?) - gotta go assume the position.
Love,
Allie