awww. yay Maria, but I'm sad you don't feel you belong other places too :(

I want the next version of the board to have likes just for Maria's post. And then to take them away again because I'm cranky that way.

Your kids are good people

So very true, Suzi is parenting goals. And you are goals too Bev, for your incredibly attuned heart that recognizes the fullness of everything you're feeling.

Andi, thank you for the Millay. It said beautifully what I've been feeling.

Yes, this too. It was one of my mother's favorite poems. Breaks my heart.

And what meara said, Maria. You are so awesome sauce that it seems like you'd belong in many a place, although I do get the particular joy of belonging that comes with knowing you can be exactly who you are. As much as I really get along with a lot of my colleagues at work, and even have some deep and true friends there, by definition it takes more emotional work being there than here.

I'm glad I am not the only one Dirge without Music speaks to.

Maria, I'm glad you feel OK here, but I would venture to say you are more than OK.

On days when I don't have words, simply having a tab open here gives me connection.

Well, a couple of setbacks for Gizmo. As it turns out, that 90% healed had to be rolled back to 75% healed, apparently the lip didn't properly re-attach after all and was somewhat peeled back today. Apparently it will grow over with scar tissue rather than healing back in place, so he's going to be disfigured (though it doesn't actually seem to be bothering him). And the vet tech who wanted to adopt him found out his landlord won't allow it, though he does have a friend who's interested in adopting. I'll have to see what Gizmo's prognosis is in a few days and if this person will be OK with the disfigurement and any care/feeding issues it will cause.

FWIW, Maria, you are great everywhere! Other people maybe nsm.

Poor Gizmo. I hope it's just cosmetic and doesn't create trouble down the line.

I have made the crepe cake and the devilled eggs. I should have made the dip before sitting back down, but I wanted to eat the extra eggs.

Me too, I'm worried about whether the gum tissue will grow back strong enough to keep his teeth healthy. He may be on wet food permanently to avoid irritating his mouth, which is more cost and mess to clean up for a prospective owner. (At least he's so affectionate that I can't imagine any cat lover not falling for him once they've been around him for a while; the whole vet's office coos over him now.)

Poor kitty. Poor kitty who is very lucky to have you in his life, Matt. Whatever the future holds for the little guy, he's had a bit of care and kindness. In this world, that's a lot.

Oh man, y'all. My in-laws are getting exceedingly old and cranky. And Republican.

I'm a bad bad sibling/daughter. DH has strep throat and I am considering it a bonus that we won't be going over to see west coast family while he recovers. He would probably be fine, but they all have health issues and said to keep away. Considering that I am not remotely ready I am just relieved.