It does my heart good to hear of your ongoing daily successes SirG. When you spoke of the fear of being alone, it struck a chord. I truly cannot remember a time since i was very young that i have been on my own. However, i wake up now and find myself excited to face the day. For the first time in probably my whole life, i am taking the time to know me. My house if currently *under construction* as i call it, and i take a room a day and transform it into something that makes my heart sinig to see. It truly is a wonderful journey. I am changing careers, because although my current career is stable and i make decent money, i absolutely dread going into work every day and i refuse to live that way any longer.

It is wonderful that you are getting time to spend with your children because they do grow so quickly and i have found just how very much they have changed on my right under my own nose. They are LOVING the *new* Mom as they lovingly phrase it and tell me that they are behind me 100%. It's lovely to know that i will always have my own personal fan club behind me.

As for the puppy, i can't wait to see the pictures. I have three of my own and they provide unconditional love and acceptance. When i feel lonely or down, they make wonderful cuddlers and don't feel the need to have everything explained to them *grins*. And it is amazing how they are able to sense their owner's moods. My dogs never fail to notice when i'm not feeling well and they always seem to lurk closer or even come up and nudge me as if to say "Do you need me now?" And never mind the reception that i receive when i come home after being gone for more than five minutes *eyeroll*. Truly a joy in my life.

Change is never easy, and sometimes the pain is overwhelming, but i try to keep reminding myself that when one door closes, another is opened. I try to remind myself every morning that today is the beginning of the rest of my adventure. The people that i've met here in the forums have been a big help and often provide laughter when i'm unable to find anything to laugh about on that particular day. There is also a wonderful amount of good advice and best wishes. Wouldn't it be lovely to have such honest, helpful, and caring people to surround us in every day real life? Some of the closest friends i have ever made have been initiated in an online setting. So there is always hope that you will run into someone at some point and time when you are ready that compliments what you are looking for in your life.

Again, I wish you the best Sir G, a happy belated birthday, and an exciting day in YOUR new adventure. Good luck with housetraining the puppy by the way.......LOL

tyd