jenx67, there's nothing that makes blogging more worthwhile to me than this: "I feel less alone when I read what you’ve written." Thank you for making me feel less alone, too. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your story.

Meredith, I absolutely LOVE hearing the perspective of people whose parents are divorced. It's an experience that's foreign to me, but one I wonder about all the time. I know your perspective and experience are your own, and my daughters will each have their own story, but it's still wonderful to see it through your eyes. Thank you.

cobalt blue, thank you so much for the encouragement. I have learned a lot, these past few years, about waiting, listening, and following my instincts when it comes to parenting (in other words, not letting moments of frustration and panic consume me). Sometimes I don't have the patience or space to ride with it the way I want to, but it's encouraging to know I'm growing wiser, even if I take a step in the wrong direction from time to time. 

The Modern Gal, sometimes I feel like every fiber in my being is geared toward protecting my kids from everything, but then I recognize that comes from a spirit of fear, not one of trust and hope in what's good. I've learned that no amount of frantic protecting brings me peace, but that shift away from fear does.

Daisy, I love the image of the storm! Sometimes there is a storm, and we have to carefully pick our way through it. Other times, when I feel at peace with the world, Normal is just a blur out the car window. (Interestingly enough, last year as we drove by Normal on our way to Q's camp, we passed by a very dangerous storm with a tornado. A good friend of ours was in the area, at his dad's house for Father's Day, and was severely injured when a tree fell on him. He's lucky to be alive, but that's another story for another day. :)

Dave, that's wonderful, simple-yet-wise advice. I bet you've drawn from it again and again—I'm so glad you shared it with us. (I'm also very glad to have your company in Abnormalville, where the grass-to-weed ratio makes things much more interesting.)