Holding Pattern

[Howard]

[This message has been edited by Howard]

For those who are interested...

Everything is going as well as can be expected for Gerlie and I.  Our relationship is as strong as ever and we both remain firmly commited to each other  I don't know what I did to deserve her, but it must have been BIG LOL

I haven't been reporting much, because there just isn't anything to report

Very early this year we hit a few snags in the process, dealt with them and moved forward

I submitted the paperwork August 8th, 2003.

Gerlie and I remain in daily contact and are getting along just as well as we always have  It's just the waiting that SUCKS!  We miss each other terribly, but expect to see each other this spring  I have been working a lot, which is normal and she has been keeping herself busy with her family and job.

Other than that, there isn't a whole lot going on.

We wish all of you a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

I look forward to seeing Gerlie again, like nothing else I have anticipated in my entire life!!!  I just pray for a timely decision so we can start the family we are both looking so forward to

Keep the Faith

H

[Dave H]

... in response to Holding Pattern, posted by Howard on Dec 22, 2003

Hi H,

Since you've been through this before, you know that things are moving along at the ol' bureaucratic pace. Not much to do but Keep on Keeping the Faith!

Good Luck to you and Gerlie!

Dave H.

[Surigao Ken]

... in response to Holding Pattern, posted by Howard on Dec 22, 2003

Howard,

Our prayers are with you and your loved one.

Take care and thanks for all the help,

Surigao Ken, Surigao Nancy, and Surigao Mary D.

[Bear]

... in response to Holding Pattern, posted by Howard on Dec 22, 2003

Does experience of having gone through it before make it any easier this time?

You said you would see her in the spring.  Are you planning a trip to Davao?

Bear and Honey

P.S.  Merry Christmas to you and your honey too.

[Howard]

... in response to Going through it twice!, posted by Bear on Dec 22, 2003

Bear,

How's everything in your neck of the woods?  Send my Holiday wishes to Honey and the cub

To answer your question... it's easier in some ways and harder in others.

My expirience with the INS helps me prepare for the worst  If they say 60-90 days, I expect 120  LOL  The BCIS isn't quite as frustrating, not because they are more organized, but because I expect so little help from them

I did my best to prepare Gerlie for the process.  I think it makes her more confident in my knowledge and the resources we have here

But in ways it is significantly harder.  I miss Gerlie terribly.  Even though the pace is similar, everything is moving at more of a real time pace for me, which makes it drag.  I'm SO ready to see her again, but know it will still be a little while

Our Faith and Friendship help a great deal, but at times it's very hard for her.  She has a lot of people who doubt my sincerity--not family, but just about everyone else--and, as you well know, that creates a strain on both of us.  Thank God she is just as stubborn as I am  Sometimes I think her determination alone will see us through this

What helps me most is Gerlie herself.  She is truly one of a kind  She is understanding and very mature about everything which makes a difficult seperation easier on  both of us.  It sucks, but it sucks less because we know it will end soon and then we will have what we want.  Companionship, Friendship and Family  I have a confidence that I have never had that this will happen.  But, that comes from her and nowhere else.

Did that even come close to answering your question?  Or did I get off on a tangent?

Keep the Faith!

H

[Bear]

... in response to Yes and No, posted by Howard on Dec 22, 2003

Yes and no (hehehehe).  

You answered it but then again I knew that it would be easier and harder this time.  Easier because you know the paper work and some ways to deal with the separation.  Harder because, like all of us who are divorce, the enevitable prick in the back of the mind that makes you ask over and over if you are doing it right this time.

The Bearcub is doin great.  We enter a baby picture contest for him and lost  Then out of nowhere we were asked if we would allow his picture to be in a book called "All About Babies".  Hey we got paid!!  AJ is so different as every child is.  He was walking at 7 months but didn't say "da-da" until near 9 months? (don't ask me, I'm confused too).  I tell you this kid is going to be a lady killer.  The mothers of the little girls are telling us to hold AJ for their little one (as if I could) or the girls want to play with him, hold him, etc.  I mean he gets a lot of attention!  Strangers come up and tell us how cute he is!? (as if I didn't know!).  Amer-asian children are just gorgeous!!!  I think if he knew how to arm wrestle I'd be in trouble - he is so strong, I had to nickname "Bam-bam" (from the Flinstone cartoon).  He's a climber too! Climbs out of his highchair, his stroller, his walker, his swing, climbs on the tables - scary man!.  I just hope he doesn't figure out how to climb out of his baby bed any time soon.  He is scared of nothing. Period.  Bought him a big Teddy Bear about a foot taller than him.  He attacks and wrestles that thing to the ground - it is so cute to watch.  He's an amazing joy - hope mommy will have a sister for him soon (hint-hint).

You didn't say if you were going to Davao soon?

Bear and Honey

[Ray]

... in response to Going through it twice!, posted by Bear on Dec 22, 2003

:-)

[Stephen]

... in response to Holding Pattern, posted by Howard on Dec 22, 2003

Good to hear from you.  Remember, there is an end to it all and you two will be together.

Let us know about the wedding.  Tess and I would like to attend if possible.

stpehen

[Howard]

... in response to Re: Holding Pattern, posted by Stephen on Dec 22, 2003

Stephen,

Absolutely!  Obviously, everything is still up in the air, but you guys are on the list

Thanks for the Xmas card, it was cute

Give my best to your lovely Wife

Keep the Faith

H