There are a couple of gifts here. One I'm going to write about in the 5th (and final) installment of my 2023 recap. (I'll be delayed, though, because I'll be out of town tomorrow through early January. But I'll knock it out once I return).

The other positive is the support of my family, friends, and my Medium readers. I always write candidly but usually I filter/edit more details out. This was my first attempt to write in a chapter-like way and I'm so grateful to folks like you who have followed my long arc in general and these 4 recaps specifically.

Thanks for your specific response, too. This really has been extra confusing. Maybe he was trying to be a "good guy" in his mind when he was dumping me the second time. I didn't even write about his offer to watch tv (um, no!) and get some dinner (dude, I have no appetite and I just want to leave). Sigh. In any case, cheers to you, Brian! I'm grateful for you!