Brilliant piece Julia. Brava! So many of us have been part of the "over-givers" club, to those who insist they're doing us favors and we're the problem. Sometimes they are helping, and in large ways... but we don't need to live for the crumbs. Ever. And, once we processs through this, each in our own way, we are all the stronger for it. Thanks for writing this. Brilliantly articulated.

LOVE your back yard. Used to have one like it. Aspire to it again.