I'm pleased to hear your Mum's on top of things.     ;-D I think it makes perfect sense to want to show those people who voluntarily leave our lives how well we're doing despite (or because of?) their absence - whether they're parents or ex-lovers. You *are* doing well, TomR, and you should be proud of yourself, your life, and your family. Also, you have some really great friends. (Counting myself among them, natch!     :-D)