It's much slower paced around here, and I rarely ever check in. My last post was about moving to California and how my parents back in Canada absolutely hate me for not returning. That was four years ago. How shall I begin?

I have a son, who is 3.5 years old. He is my absolute world. After noticing some developmental delays in his speech and some behaviours, he's been diagnosed with Autism. He is named after Batman's son, Damian Wayne.

Damian's father appeared in my life unexpectedly. We met after I promised I wouldn't get into another relationship… I am an absolute failure at keeping promises. He's a great man and proposed to me back in July. We are currently planning our elopement.

My relationship with my mother is strained, at best. We will text pictures of little life events, but we don't speak in depth. She rarely asks about my son but will send me many pictures of her weight loss updates, so I suppose she's pretty busy.

My father and I have a much better bond, but two years ago he was off his bipolar medication because he had started going back to church and they convinced him that the Lord hath healed him. That was not the case.

After being admitted to the hospital, they reevaluated him and changed his medication around. He has been doing great and we speak about 3 times a week over the phone. Every now and then we will chat over video so he can see my son, who blows kisses and waves to him. I'm grateful to have my dad in my life, yet at a distance.

My brother and I never speak. He went through his own divorce, but much worse. As much as I would call or text, 9 times out of 10, he will never respond. I have no connection to his beautiful kids. I suppose, like myself, he prefers a life with family at a distance.

As for myself, my son takes up much of my time and attention. I work part time and care for him the rest of my day. His dad, my fiancé, is finishing up his degree and then it'll be my turn. Now that my son attends a morning preschool, I've found time for my hobby of writing, hence this post after 4 years.

I've also applied for my American citizenship. I'm awaiting my appointment for my "test."

I dare say things are starting to look up.