"Help Me" free zone

14 minutes + 2 and half hours and counting in the "no HELP ME zone."  yep -- a "help me" wasn't uttered for almost 3 hours straight and it was a beautiful amazing and releasing feeling.  We went to a little dinner party at a friends house and Dad was in his element.  Sipping wine slowly and observing and contributing to conversation where he could.  Speaking up when a familiar name was thrown in the mix or a personal memory present.  But overall, being quite normal and amazing.  Just quieter.  It was wonderful.  All i can say is thank you dear friends for relieving my Mom and me from the manipulative, needy, baby Father for three hours and experiencing a little slice of normalcy.  And bless you Dad for rising to the occasion.  It is possible.  and I don't want to kill you.