A Day With My X

A few weekends ago my ex-wife showed up in Seattle and we actually managed a decent conversation. The day seemed blogworthy so enjoy the ride. She was on her way to Glacier National Park by train but was delayed for about 12 hours due to criminal activity in California. They took some jerk off the train for bragging about how easy it was to smuggle drugs on Amtrak, so the trip was at least memorable. Have a nice time in jail dude:) The Darwin principle in action. Of course it was my ex who turned him in, always true to form. Her reward was hours in a gulch outside Eugene, Oregon waiting for the Southern Pacific to clear the rails so they could continue on to Seattle.

It was a beautiful day in my city, all sun and no rain. We met in the King Street train station and had no idea how to relate to each other after two years apart (and without legal counsel to keep us from tearing each other to pieces). I didn't even get a hug till I insisted outside of Etta's in Seattle. Interestingly we enjoyed each other's company despite both of us seeing other people. She met her's on eHarmony and I met mine on Craigslist. I truly wish them the best of luck, she seemed happy and content for the first time in years so perhaps they'll be in the next series of ads. And she reminds me more and more of her mother as time passes. That's a good thing, Joan was a saint.

In Etta's we had a nice brunch and went back to Redmond so she could shower and collect herself for the next leg of the journey. I got to listen in to her phone conversation to the new guy and although it should have been upsetting I was thrilled for her at the new possibilities the relationship offered. She was courageous enough to abandon her transitional relationship because it didn't provide what she really needed. The result seems to have been a match made in eHeaven because both of them are enthralled with each other. I remember what that's like and wish them success in the new world they're creating together. So I made her a cup of tea, noticing that our old rituals of thinking each other's thoughts were still there. So much so that she didn't have to interrupt the conversation to let me know what kind of tea she wanted or how it needed to be prepared.

After her shower we went to the market to buy supplies for her camping trip and the suitcase was jammed to capacity as we drove back to Seattle. The plan was to have lunch at Wild Ginger but that wasn't in the cards as they are closed on Sundays (oops). So we went back to Etta's to the great amusement of the waitress and had a wonderful lunch with a bottle of white wine and great conversation. Toward the end she took my hand and asked me not to settle for second best, said that I was a good man and I'll admit I cried a bit at that comment. I'm not a good man, really nobody is. But thanks for the thought my dear, I'll always remember you with a smile despite the hard times.

I dropped Marie off at the train station with only a few seconds to spare before departure. Much like my life, everything just in time and nothing in reserve. She was in a rush and almost forgot to hug me goodbye. It meant a lot when she turned around next to the conductor and gave me a hug with good wishes for the future.

Bon Voyage my dear, best always. We were ancient souls who walked together for awhile and parted as we must, but I will remember you as my best friend. Forever my friend, have a great life.

Peace is every step.