I met all of my in-laws, Sunday, April 1, 2018. I was super nervous. The day before I had a Facetime call with my mom to chose an outfit that was "in-law" appropriate and also one that I felt comfortable in. I'm talking down to the earrings and the shoes and the bracelets. The morning of, Ashby was at my house, laying on my bed, while I straightened my hair, hung half of my body outside trying to cool off, while the dog-walker was in the living room (he was staying the night because we were going to spend the night at Ashby's and of course Maggie needs to be well taken care of!!!), and I was nervous and verrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyy anxious. Did I mention I was nervous and anxious?

We leave my apartment, late, and arrive at the Ashby's, late. Ashby looks tall and handsome and confident ('cause he's got a hot chick on his arm. Ahem. Me). 

We walk in the door, I say hello to his dad, whose smile is so great big he looks like he might explode, I greet his mom, whom appears friendly, I greet his brother, whom I end up kissing right on smack on the lips (remember we are in Quebec - so no handshake - it's a kiss on each cheek), we all laugh, I get even more nervous, I greet his sister-in-law, and then his nephew. 

We all come in and start chatting, then we go and eat, I spill a large glass of red wine on a table cloth, I apologize, they all tell me that it's not a big deal, and then I tell them, that well, at least they are getting to know the real me - right from the start. 

They are so kind, but they also aren't bombarding me with questions. They are trying to make me feel at ease. I found out later that Mr. Ashby told Ashby that I was a great catch right after our meal, and his mom agreed. I was honored. Despite my anxiety and nervousness, I felt so well with them. I truly enjoyed their company.....and had it not been the first time that I met them, I would have been happy to stay longer! Their home just felt like a place to hang around. 

I met them once more for lunch, again, I enjoyed their company again so much, especially the smile that Mr. Ashby gave me, and the way that Mrs. Ashby spoke with me... and I felt like they cared about me....from that moment. 

The next time I saw Mr. Ashby, he drove one hour, picked me up and take me to go to the dentist, wait for me at the dentist's, drive me back home, and then drive another hour back home to his house. He chat the entire time, telling me about his life story, basically. Again, I was completely honored. I felt like he was welcoming me. Taking the only time that we get where it's just the two of us to chat. 

I'm sure I've written about all of this before, but I'm getting to a point here. 

I've been missing something in Montreal. ....even with Ashby and our dogs and our life...It's been the the feeling of having parents or grandparents nearby. Even though I haven't lived near my parents since I was 18 years old, I've had my backup extended Family. 

Now, I haven't lived near my Extended Family for nearly ten years. 

I haven't had a backup for my backup...and I've just accepted it....and gone and visited when I could. And of course, my mom and some of my extended family have visited me here whenever they could....but I felt like something was missing and flights to/from Alberta sure ain't cheap. 

But after the first or second visit, the Ashbys just kind of accepted me....unconditionally. It became even more apparent after my mom, grandma, and aunt met them. We had dinners together. It's like the two families became one and the roles became murky and now, I have Montreal family. Just like that. 

I started to relax a lot around the Ashbys. So much so that last week, when I was feeling a little blue and had an appointment near their place, I called and invited myself over. I was a bit nervous...but I figured that they would appreciate the visit, and I wanted to chat with Mrs. Ashby and I wanted the famous Mr. Ashby smile...and just to be in their house, where I feel so comfortable. 

I could have stayed all afternoon had I not had my acupuncture appointment. In fact, traffic had been so bad that day, I could have spent the night... 

When I told Ashby, he was a bit surprised, but so happy. His two families were merging, without his interference. 

He got a call that night, from his parents, telling him to tell me to come visit anytime I was in the area. 

When I think of it, it's not really something that I would typically do, but I wanted to visit my family...and now I have one in Montreal. Life is coming full circle. It still isn't perfect. I still have my bad days. But life is certainly nicer when you have family around.