Not much has changed around the house.
Not much has changed between me and Hope. We are polite, sometimes almost close to lovingly so. We might occasionally laugh about something together; I live for those moments. I feel like they give me a peek into the good times. I usually choke back a few tears when we laugh together or she wants to tell me something. We both have some very clear boundaries that we have quietly constructed. I give hers extra wide berth, while she likes to nudge mine just to see how far she can go.
I’m doing more cooking than I have in a long time. I cook on the weekends so there are options until about Thursday. I really cook for Hope. I might get a spoonful or bowl full when I’m cooking, but I generally will have smoothies, cereal, yogurt, bread, etc all week. I am only this week realizing how obsessive I’ve become about this weekend cooking ritual. Clearly some emotional stuff happening there. I also just know that I unconsciously increased the amounts I’m cooking It’s wild.
I wish things were different. I wish Hope truly believed and understood that we are forever. I wish after all these years she could enjoy some peace in permanence. I believe that there were many authentically joyful times, but I also believe her when she says it was fleeting or an act to meet what she thought were my expectations. I wish things were different in so many ways.
In 125 days, everything changes. It may make things horribly worse or it could be the beginning of another beginning for Hope. Only time will tell. I daily caution myself not to think that far out. I know it will zoom here sooner than I’m willing to acknowledge.
I’m keeping the faith that something will change, something will change.
Cheers to the week.

August 28th, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Stay you. Love. Don’t crystal gaze the future. It is bigger than a crystal ball can show. Sending support to you. And wishing you a bright future of love.
August 28th, 2022 at 10:36 pm
Hope is about 18, right? I remember that being a really hard time with our oldest who was adopted at 10. Pushing us away, anger, coldness. At our worst she ran away for a couple weeks and didn’t contact us. When she did finally come home she didn’t speak to us for weeks. It was awful. But it didn’t last forever. Almost 10 years further on, our relationship is solid and loving and I’d almost forgotten those times even happened.
There were genuinely joyful times. Don’t you doubt it. No matter what she is saying at the moment, your connection is real and not just an act she was putting on. It will be ok. Big, big hugs to you.
August 29th, 2022 at 7:50 pm
My heart bleeds for you. I haven’t been exactly where you are, but I have longed for closeness that wasn’t there no matter how much I wanted it to be. Hugs to you.
September 28th, 2022 at 8:25 pm
It is so challenging. I hope that she starts to feel more secure in the future.