Fast forward 12 years

Today has the potential to be quite good or quite odd.

We will be seeing my father-in-law for the first time in about 12 years.

We aren't exactly sure of all the reasons he became estranged but he has had a long history of dealing with issues of depression and anger since returning from Vietnam (he lost a leg when he stepped on a land-mine on July 4th, 1968).

He only lives a few hours away and we have had his mailing address the whole time. Birthday cards, Fathers Day cards and Christmas cards went unanswered until he re-established contact with my wife about a year ago.

Twelve years ago our kids were ages 4 and 5; I still even had some dark hair.

I know my wife is sort of nervous about the whole thing. I plan to just sit back and be supportive in whatever way possible.

Of course I'll do my best to keep from opening my mouth and inserting my foot; at least that's my plan going into the day.

I can't guarantee it...but I'll try.