Post Reunion Etiquette

Is there such a thing?

Or maybe this should be titled, "Post Reunion Expectations."

Woke up realizing I'm in a post reunion void.

Have been more busy than usual lately - in a good way - feeling happier and certainly more grounded than before I met my mother. I was terrified to meet her, this 83 year old woman. I am so glad I did.

It's been 10 days since our meeting. Now what?

I've needed the time and space to process her real face and personality and all that is her - or as much can be gleaned in 1.5 hours. I guess she's doing the same.

While I can't bring myself to call - yet - I'm a tad surprised and, admittedly, a wee bit hurt that she hasn't called or dropped a note. After all, I initiated the search, the first meeting, etc. Umph. Maybe she's thinking the same thing.

On the positive side, have realized just how much progress I've made on dealing with abandonment issues usually triggered by unexplained fades like not getting return phone calls or emails, etc. Dropped a note to my niece - we had a good first meeting - to ask after a problem she was having and to thank her for hosting the meeting with my mother. No reply. Normally, this would freak me out but while I'm curious, I'm not upset. She works long hours and is dealing with some ucky stuff right now. My reaction represents a big leap forward in fighting the Abandonment Demon.

Another positive, my mother is a neat freak. I am so NOT. However, I am trying to find my inner clean gene. It's GOT to be in there, somewhere, so I've been trying to be more efficient. I spend focused time on straightening up and it's amazing how much better the house looks. It's also easier to THINK and RELAX when you're not stepping over stacks of newspapers, piles of laundry and drifting mounds of dog hair!