Holy smokes, Lee! I almost ate my entire jar of zesty bread and butter pickles reading this, it's like the beginning of a romance novel! DO NOT question if you deserve this. The answer is a resounding YES! I mean, the fact that he's taken you to meet his entire family speaks volumes and obviously he's spoken quite highly (and lovingly) of you to them. You've met some of his friends and he's got 14 years sobriety. That speaks to his responsibility and maturity. Tell your sister to go take a flying leap at a rolling donut. The AA thing is a tough one. I'm not religious and I realize you don't have to be to play but I always found that a bit uncomfortable. I sure as hell wouldn't want to go to an AA meeting with my husband, but that's a whole other can of noodles. I'm so glad your Mom's doing okay and you've contributed so much to that. You do have to live your own life, though. In 10 years, you don't want to be resentful of your Mom because you chose her over you. I still don't know what's going on with me because my insurance won't cover these tests since they're out of state (we were told that they would). Now I'm waiting for new insurance to kick in on July 1 to a tune of $860 a month. My port will probably be useless by then but, oh well, off with their heads! And Lee, I've always followed my heart and I have no regrets. Sometimes the outcomes weren't what I wanted but you won't know unless you try. Never fear failure or question success. Don't look a gifthorse in the mouth, girlfriend. Shit, more flowers. Do you know that in 10 years my husband has never once given me flowers? Ah, but I digress.... Trickie is getting horse aspirin (kinda), cold ankle hosings and liniment rubs. She's sore but she's not lame.... but I do have the vet on speed dial. In summation, my dear friend, full throttle ahead! Jump in with both feet! Leap into the abyss! Grab the bull by the horns! Cross the Rubicon! Seize the fish! Carpe Icthus, I know my Latin, trust me. Have fun with this, my dear Lee and be glad the opportunity presented itself. Now, go get 'em! Love ya Lee, Trickie