The Great Trial was not to be. As clouds and witnesses, the Neighbor, Very Expensive Lawyer and me gathered in Courtroom 2B, an insightful judge urged reconsideration of settlement options.
Among those options was one I believe will work for my little family, and the reality of this long day was in proffer and consideration, rather than attack and remonstration.
My admiration for the Very Expensive Attorney is real. Experienced, professional, cracker jack smart, with integrity to spare. It has been my pleasure to know a number of fine lawyers in my life, and I count her among them.
At the end of the day, when all was said – I had one last question, could I shake the judge’s hand? The answer was a warm yes, and I fairly skipped up to the bench to thank this man whose influence saved this day, and turned my life.
Life is lived between poles, and rightly so – for life is grey, not black and white. This day was won by compromise, and the retreat of polarization back into shadow, where it belongs – for now.
Long will I consider the real energies at play today, foremost among them the wishes and prayers of friends, and the holding of my small life in the hands of those who care. To the Neighbor who sat patiently with me throughout my trials, and to those not present, whose warmth and presence filled a seemingly empty courtroom – thank you so very much.
Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends, with a little help from my friends.
Shouldn't...but Do 
What an amazing blessing – I’m so glad that you and your family have been spared that awful ordeal. I pray that somehow a peaceful and mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached. My thoughts are with you.