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Shelly's Diary Entries Diary Navigation: Choose A Diary Entry -------------------- Latest Entry: 8/27/00 -------------------- 8/26/00 8/25/00 8/24/00 8/23/00 -------------------- Shelly's Introduction

August 26, 2000

August 26, 2000

I don't even want to talk about what happened this morning. Suffice it to say, in the emotionally volatile atmosphere that's so prevalent at any of my family's get-togethers, my mom and my grandma melted down, while I tried to protect my kids from the fall out. I'm used to the frequent fights -- hot tempers that quickly cool and arguments that are all-important one minute, and forgotten the next -- but my kids are not.

I didn't even get to take a shower. I had been getting the kids dressed when it all started, and I had to throw on some clothes and pack our bags so we could leave. We didn't leave on completely bad terms. Mom said she'd call Grandma later, after they'd both cooled down, then we started the three-hour drive to Morgan Hill.

I have to say, though, I actually did feel like a grown-up in the car. While the kids played in the backseat, my mom and I talked about what had happened over the last couple of days. Normally, we'd both try to pretend like nothing was wrong, harboring our resentments. Instead, we were both honest about why we felt the way we did. It was a huge step in our relationship being able to talk things out and reach some mutual understanding. We were even laughing over some of it. It was really nice.

The kids did pretty well on the trip. But as we got closer to our destination, it was obvious that they were sick of being in the car and just wanted to get there and get out. It reinforced for me my decision not to go to the funeral on Monday. I know my mom's still hoping I'll change my mind, but I won't. My job as Bryan's and Aaron's mom is to take care of them. I have to meet my kids' needs, not my mom's.

Bryan was thrilled to finally get to my mom's house because I told him he could go swimming. Aaron put his trunks on, too, but he's not as comfortable in the water as Bryan, so he mostly just stood on the steps. Both boys were happy to play with Bandit, my folks' Jack Russell terrier. We don't have any pets, so they love to visit other people who do.

My younger brother, Jason, came over with his 3-year-old daughter, Molly. She wanted to swim, too. My mom was finally in her element. She got right into the pool with all the kids and got to be grandma -- the thing she'd been wanting to do since we'd arrived. While we splashed in the pool, my step-dad was barbecuing steaks for dinner. It was all very relaxing. I was sorry that Jason had to go to work that night, but I made plans to see him and Natasha (Molly's mom) tomorrow.

I also need to call my best friend from high school. Julie and her family live nearby, and I definitely want to see them, especially her new baby girl. I can't wait!