Dear Ruth,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am choosing to write to you because it is easier at times to express my thoughts on paper than in person. This is not to make it any less important. Time is always an affecting factor in conversations as well.
I guess what I want to do is fill you in on the changes that have happened and that are to happen. As you will have worked out by now I am seeing Jack again, and have been for some time now. We have been fortunate to have picked up our relationship from where we left it some years ago and continue in a better way. When Charles left it was devastating to the kids but not as shocking to me, a part of me always worried about him staying around. So I guess picking up, after the decision to go separate ways, was easier this time. If nothing else we tried to rebuild together but have no doubt that it is now well and truly over. Charles will always have an important part in the kids lives, the extent of this will be up to him.
Jack has two sons, Lee and Maxwell, who get along very well with the kids; they have all taken the news of our relationship very well and encouraged its progression. We have decided to combine households and are looking for a house together. It looks as though mine is sold now, after signing unconditional contracts, and so a lot a pressure will now be taken off both Charles and me. The conclusion of this sale will allow us both to move on with our lives. The kids are looking forward to resettling and a new start.
But in all the changes I wanted to assure you that you have always been and will be a vital part of the kids’ lives. I hope you will still be a wonderful Grandmother to them and friend to me. I hope we will always be welcome at your home as you will be in ours. Over the many years I have been a part of your life, you have been a blessing in so many ways, I could never write them all down, but believe me when I say I am forever thankful to you.
Jack and I are going away this weekend to Sydney, a trip I am very much looking forward to. Charles will be spending this time with the kids, which is also a good opportunity for them all to catch up again.
Some news on the kids: Elyse is on camp in Canberra at the moment, she of all the kids, is finding the changes in her life the hardest, I guess hormones are playing a big part in her reactions as well, but I have no doubt she will be fine (as she is every other day).
Mary is working lots and still finding school easy; we don’t see her as much these days but that is ok. She is still dating Cameron and this seems to be going quite well.
The twins are of course doing everything at full speed, rarely idle for any length of time. They are now waiting to hear if they made the State Football team; it will not be announced until June 10th. My greatest fear is that one will get picked and the other twin wont, but that is a reality that may have to face in time to come. They were both captains of the School Football Team yesterday and competed against four other Catholic schools; they won convincingly and this sees them go to Melbourne to compete in a few weeks. Of course their lives revolve around their sport, but they are keen to get some work, just not sure how to fit this in around so many training sessions. School is not their favourite place and we have had many issues arise from there, but hopefully they can stay there long enough to get a decent trade or something to that effect. Young Anthony is doing ok; did I tell you I took him to a specialist? Well I did and he has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, which has been questioned for some years now. This doesn’t change too many things at home, but will at school and hopefully help those close to him understand him better. We will be making some changes to his diet over time to try and help him also. Of course he is still devouring his books; it is hard to keep up with his need for new books. Now, Jade is fine, cruising along nicely with no major issues at all. Of course she is only seven!
If you would be happy too please pass these changes onto William, I don’t see him much, but I know you catch up with him fairly often as well as Elizabeth and Stephen. Would you please also pass on my news and thanks to Louise? She has been and I hope will continue to be a valued part of the kids lives. My children are most fortunate to have so many good people in their lives. I have filled in Jill and Mark when I sent her birthday card.
So in closing my kids are happy, keen to resettle and begin again. I am happy also and looking forward to so many things in the future.
Looking forward to enjoying a cuppa with you soon.
Take care,
Love Audra
