After downloading forms from the State.gov web site, and trying to do it all by myself, I realize I need help. So I made an appointment with a reputable law firm for next week. I'm preparing my forms and my questions. My goal is to go to the appointment with everything prepared (in paper and electronically), have everything reviewed by the attorney, and then be certain I'm ready to file (Divorce or Separation). If I can't file, I at least want to know what I need to "fix." Guesstimate of the paralegal I spoke with: a one hour consult should be enough. But I must be prepared with all the information. To be safe, I'm budgeting for 2.5 hours.

* * *

Our great-niece died in an accident last Saturday. She had just celebrated her 3rd birthday. Her mom (one niece) and family lives on the Cayman Islands. Other niece, hubby's sister, and niece's father are all traveling to the islands for the wake and funeral. My heart breaks for them. Great-niece has two older brothers (grade school age) - I can't imagine how they're faring. I can't imagine how her parents are faring. Just sad, sad, sad, situation.

* * *

This is going to go down in my personal year as one of the most challenging. A year of loss.

My first thought: I've had to really give up my sense of control (that I somehow control the world I'm in). And I'm learning to embrace God's will, and trust in a future that will feel filled with God's love.

If you've visited today, thank you for joining me. May God's peace be with you. -Otter