Dear T,
Well, tomorrow we can perhaps talk more about how my mom doesn't seem willing to see me as an adult capable of making well-researched, good decisions. Seriously, her comment of "Maybe if you hadn't chosen some fly-by-night repair shop." WTF was that??? I did my research. They specialize in VWs. I didn't go back to the dealer because I had issues with how they handled things the last time. I trust them when they say it's not safe to work on, that she doubts any technician would feel safe with it, and included videos to show what's going on.

And I love how she was like, "Have you started looking at cars?" Duh, of course I have! I imagine she'll question my choice in whichever one I end up with even though I've checked Consumer Reports, Edmunds, and asked for personal experience from Facebook friends.

Sigh...I guess the big difference right now from how I may have reacted even 5 years ago is that I'm angry at her rather than sitting here doubting myself. I mean, I didn't tell her I was annoyed, but we were on Facetime with my daughter there, so that would have been awkward. I just defended my choice briefly. Still, I think that's progress, and I'm pretty sure you'd agree. And you helped me get here.

Love,
LT