Saturday, December 20, 2008

Things you never really thought would happen but hoped they would

Tonight was Daughter's county concert. The orchestra we drive across county every wednesday for rehearsals. The one she's usually late to b/c we can't get there at that hour of the rush hour. I was blessed to meet the director and the president/organizer, both lovely women who devote so much to these young musicians. I guess good things happen when you volunteer - you get back stage! And I only had to volunteer until all the musicians were unpacked and ready to rehearse - then I got to go find a seat. Everyone's happy.

So I go upstairs to get my allotted ticket - knowing that Ex would show up eventually for the other. As luck would have it we showed up at the table simultaneously and avoided confusion for the poor ticket-passer-outer. And then it happened. We stood together and had a pleasant conversation. He made jokes. We shared things about the kids. We figured out schedules. He said he's moving to Florida.

Yes, I know we went through this once before. And he said he wasn't. But the economy and all. He's moving to Florida. As soon as January. Right after my trial.

And then it was time to find a seat. And I said, "Do you want to sit together or would you prefer not to?" And he said, "Oh we can sit together."

For people who are new, this is no small event. This is the man who runs inside the house if I come outside with the dogs. This is the man who won't come outside if I am already outside. This is the man who pretends I do not exist. Having a conversation with me. Sitting next to me at Daughter's concert. Inviting me out to dinner with him and Daughter after the show.

Huh?

I think it has a lot to do with his decision to move to Florida. There will be many changes. Changes in custody, changes financially. Changes in everysinglething.

Oh and the title of the post? No I didn't hope he'd move to Florida. But yes, I did hope that someday we'd have a pleasant conversation and be able to attend events together in peace. I told him tonight I think it was good for Daughter to see us sitting together.

10 comments:

Feisty Irish Wench said...

Whoa Nelly! That's a big feat alright. Were you checking out of the corner of your eyes for mechanical parts to make themselves known? I mean, I would have been asking "who are you and what have you done with the twins' father?"

word verf? revasta - what happens when the stars reverse two degrees to the left and pause, resulting in the ex displaying a cranium not hiding in an unsunny place, however momentary it may be.

ChiTown Girl said...

Holy hell! That's B-I-G! Maybe better days are coming. Especially if he's MOVING!! Yeah, I know, I'm a bitch!

JO said...

Amazing Girl Next Door. Simply Amazing!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on an incredible breakthrough. I'm so happy that you were able to enjoy the evening together. Lots of changes happening. What about your blog? :)

Katy said...

So THAT'S what that noise I heard all the way here in Seattle. Hell freezing over!

So fab that he's "getting" it. Fab for the kids, fab for you and even fab for him. It's so much easier this way.

Now go to the mall and say thank you to Santa. ;-)

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

It sounds like he's starting to get some much-need perspective.

How are the kids going to deal with him moving?p

Paranoid said...

I'm so glad for you, and for the kids. It can only benefit them to see their parents engaged in civil conversation. I hope his transition to Florida goes smoothly for all of you.

Merry Christmas!

Carol P. said...

Woohooo and congratulations on this huge milestone!

Persnickety Ticker said...

Yay and finally. Civil is not that hard to do. I keep reminding my parents of this and they still can't master it after 30 years.

Here's hoping things work out the best for everyone.

Amy said...

Wow! That's great. Hopefully it wasn't a one time thing and it will continue.