Making Progress

So I have to say that I'm proud of the old man. The husband was out of the back patio last night, I was wrapped up in the living room watching tv when I saw that someone had called on the caller ID - I knew I had not answered, in fact I didn't even hear it ring. When I realized who it was, I started out back to tell him but before I opened the back door I heard him talking to someone. I guess I was eavesdropping - but I am glad that I did. He was explaining to someone how all he ever wanted was a large happy family. Lots of children, grandchildren, large family gatherings, and for everyone to love each other and get along, but the truth is despite how hard he and I had tried in the past,we have had nothing but turmoil from all of the kids, and it had finally soaked through his thick skull that a large happy family was not a reality - that possible some day when everyone was grown up then things would settle down and everyone could get along. He apologized to the person he was talking to, said he didn't mean to sound like he didn't care, because he really DID care, and he loved everyone, but that he and I were simply exhausted from all of it, and we were finished with the nonsense. It left me speechless. FINALLY. He has accepted the situation for what it really is. He has finally looked at what has been going on for the past 4 and a half years with sober eyes and a clear head. There was a lot of damage done before I showed up, but I have been nothing short of a faithful, loving wife and stepmother, and mother - and when everything we try continues to fail, its very discouraging. He sees what I see now. Maybe only FOR now, but now and yet to come should be all that matter - as long as he doesn't forget the road we've traveled.