Dobie, I'm glad to hear that things went as well as well as they did. BUT...I have to ask.....why in the world would you take that opportunity (HIS Birthday party!) to go inside and mingle/catch up with his family?
I don't mean to sound rude, but I read your post and all I could think was "What was she thinking?!?!"
Ya know dobie - I get the whole missing him thing and all and how you really are feeling better right now, but take it from someone who has been there - the more you keep sticking your hand in that boiling water, it's still going to hurt! And today, my girl, you stuck your hand in the boiling water. and it's still hot, isn't it?
I hope you sleep well tonight Dobie. I know that for me, having contact with my XAH - even if it's just in seeing him - can set me back much further than I wish it did.