Penna, Heidu, Heather, Sam, KV -- thank you so much for taking the time for my somewhat petty issue.

I'll write a short email as a starting point. Can one of you give me feedback on the following:

Dear Mom:
I feel awful about our conversation yesterday and I am very, very sorry that I hurt you. I know that you are really upset about this situation and I probably made it worse. I love you and want you to feel comfortable talking to me about anything. I promise next time to listen more and talk less. I guess the reason I felt compelled to say anything about M/H's separation (which I realize is absolutely none of my business -- it's between the two of them only) is because it really reminds me about my own divorce experience. When G (my ex-husband) first moved out, I still loved him and desperately hoped we would reconcile. To hear other people critcize him and feel their anger and hatred toward him only made it more difficult for me, because they were criticizing someone that I loved. I also felt that having other people take sides was making the rift between us grow, because people were encouraging me to hate him, and vice-versa. In terms of my own recovery from the pain, it was easier for me to accept what had happened once I had let go of the anger and tried to see his point of view.

About M (my stepbrother), I support him 100% through what is an excrucitating time in his life, and I hope more than anything that they can repair their marriage.

If there is anything I can do to help you through this, please know that I am willing (find a counselor for you, just listen, clean your house to give you a break, whatever).

Love,
Lee Ann

We are ALL going to be a-ok!