“Bette I am so tired and Angelica will be up very early tomorrow morning so I think I am going to get off of here and go to bed. It’s been really great talking to you and spending time with you again. Good night Bette, sleep well and I will talk to you later in the week.”

“Good bye T, rest well.”

Hanging up the phone Bette got up from the couch and went to bed. Although they were miles apart their thoughts were with each other.

Tina was still tired the next morning when she was awaken by two small hands patting her cheeks as her mind drifted into consciousness she knew she would have to get up right then tired or not. An energetic six year old with little patience was needing her mother’s attention after being separated for so long.

“Good morning baby.” She mumbled kissing Angelica’s forehead.

9 Months Later

It had been nine months since Tina and Bette had shared each others company but during this time they had developed a routine of calling each other at least three times a week. Email was another way they kept in contact although Bette did not have internet at home and saw no need for it she, used her work email to send Tina short notes about things in her life she felt Tina would be interested in such as, she was still clean, sober, and had taken Tina’s advice on seeing a therapist.

Bette felt the sessions were going well. They had discussed some of Bette’s self esteem issues and were working on the root causes of her inability to fully trust…herself and others…Tina in particular. Bette shared with her therapist truths and fears about herself and her hope for the future with Tina. Although she realized help had always been there for her, if she would have just reach out to someone earlier, her life would have turned out differently…she was pleased that with Tina’s encouragement now she finally could.

Tina updated Bette on how quickly Angelica was growing up through sharing stories about her achievements in school as well as, photos showing how fast she was changing. Tina continued to support Bette on her journey of healing and self discovery. Both of them always made sure to include some personal thoughts each time before closing and their relationship although, miles apart physically was growing stronger each day.