This didn't happen "today", but, rather, this past Sunday. Randy and I went over to Rick and Terri's and had a discussion with them about Jim and Patti and the way they all have treated us over the course of almost one year. I did have a few tears, some happy, some sad and some angry. I do not understand the connection Terri and Patti have, if only the huge enjoyment of shopping and craft sales, all of which I couldn't participate in because of my right knee damage and ultimate replacement. In my eyes, Terri defends Patti and "overlooks" her mistreatment of me; Terri basically said what I told her was "hearsay." I also explained to them how Patti has so conveniently reminded me on three separate occasions of how I no longer have family. Terri seemed to just listen whereas Rick jumped in and said "family isn't just blood." That alone made me feel better. Then I reflected back to how you and Todd said the same thing to both Randy and I, that family isn't just blood. I count my lucky stars that I do have family in you all. The conversation ended by Terri saying we should all sit down at the campground and address this with Jim and Patti. I agreed to do this, however, I really do not wish to maintain a friendship with Patti simply because I've caught her in lies to me, she wants to come between Terri and me to push me out of the group, etc. I just don't need or want a friend like that. Terri did message me on Monday, 4-27, told me she loved me and that they were my family too. I apologize for rambling on; this feels like a journal for me where I can get things off my mind and remove the drama from my heart.

Thank you for listening and explaining how my thoughts and emotions relate to how I'm treated. I'm always apologizing for crying and really what do I have to be sorry for? My mom raised me to be almost too emotional and never standing my ground. She always fought my battles and would catch me before I ever thought about falling. She was a great mom, but she could've taught me how to stand on my feet and be strong like her. It is my hope that through your guidance, I will get to the place in my life where I can express myself and not be sorry for the way I feel about things, that I won't be the doormat that everybody can walk on. You have no idea how much I pray to God, thanking Him for bringing you and Todd into my life. For me, it is very scary, even at almost 60 years old, to no longer have a family, to almost be like an "orphan", just an older one lol. You guys are my family, I can talk to either one of you about anything and not feel scared about what I have to say or that Todd would look at me cross-eyed or something lol. I am comfortable being around both of you and that is worth so much to me...my family! I love you, sister....always!