For the first time in three years, I had Thanksgiving dinner with daughter Claire and Matt and Claire's dad, Terry Valdez. Several members of Terry's family were there. Initially nervous, I relaxed as the evening progressed.

Everyone loved my Pear-Gingerbread Upside Down Cake. Before dessert, I beat up real whipping cream with a little vanilla extract, confectioner's sugar and a pinch of salt. A big hit.

Terry has a girlfriend, Sondra, for the first time in 20 years. Like an adolescent, Terry said he feels "awkward," and didn't want me to meet Sondra.

After Terry and I were divorced in 1995, we celebrated holidays, our birthdays, Mother's and Father's day as a family of three. But when Sondra became his girlfriend, Terry stopped that tradition. This hurt Claire and me.

Terry alo cut me off as a friend and acts more distant with Claire. Claire feels heartbroken and upset with her dad.

Ten years younger than Terry, Sondra has never married nor had kids. She doesn't understand Claire and Terry's connection, Terry said.

At Claire's wedding in September 2018, I deliberately sat next to Sondra at dinner, chatting and laughing with her. We had fun. Also worked hard helping Terry with decorating and serving cake.

At the wedding, Terry's family members greeted me with love and joy. It was wonderful seeing them again!

Yesterday I felt deeply grateful to be included in the Valdez family Thanksgiving. My family is back East.

Now that she's married, I have never seen Claire so happy. She and Matt exchanged quick kisses and hugs. They were adorable.

Here I am with my sweetie-pie Claire, 28.