Spent most of the day at my oldest son's "street." They have a Halloween Block Party and David combine that with a birthday party for Lucas. (John and family didn't go) David's first appearance was as H. R. Puffnstuff. An image and obsession I imprinted on his mind at the tender age of 2 while he was in the hospital with pneumonia and asthma. To keep him busy and his mind off being under an oxygen tent, I bought him an activity book of H. R. Puffnstuff. At a ripe old age of 38, he finally has the whole costume. The body is the original but the head, he had made. It pays having "connections" at TVLAND.com. LOL

Both my grandsons were absolute dolls... as always. Max, the younger boy stayed with me most of the time and "helped me drive" my power chair. My precious DIL was just that, precious. For a boy who will turn 12 on Halloween day, Lucas was very affectionate! Why did I worry about that? Just because he's turning 12? Silly me!

My ex was there as usual. We didn't speak last year but this year he made a point of coming over to me and chit-chatting. Really, that's neither here nor there, but it sure was better than another kick in the teeth. My ex nudged me as said "We did do something right, after all, didn't we?" as he nodded towards MY oldest son. My reply was "You bet your sweet bippy *I* did!" Which I did. He never had much input at all. He was just a sperm donor. Ex also mentioned that my mother would have been extremely proud of him. Said that I'm sure she's rolled over in her grave several times knowing what "mi rey" (my king. that's what my mom called David) has accomplished.

Jerry wasn't feeling well and snuck off to the RV a couple of times, but otherwise had a decent time.

Eats were a block party pot luck. YUUUMMMM!! There was also a live band with "dancing in the street"! Good band, too!

My DIL asked when we were saying good-bye where John and family were. All I said was at which time she said that it was their loss, especially the kid's and that it's too bad that holding grudges is so important for "the other" DIL. LOL Christina has made a reputation for herself. I don't know exactly what Davie had in mind when she said that and I didn't ask.

Anyway... I'm basking in the afterglow of all the festivities, the love that goes around in that family, watching my 38 yr old boy dancing in his Puffnstuff costume, laughing at him shooting Cocoa Puffs and Fruit Loops out of a huge air cannon and dancing with a maniguin on wheels named "Vampira."

I just may make it out of this slump... feeling my grandson's little bodies resting against mine, remembering Max writing all over the street "Max Abuela" with sidewalk chalk, etc... Even with all the pain, there is yet something wonderful to be thankful for.

Now... if I could get my eyes to quit burning from crying so much...