I can't believe I just wrote that.
There are so many things I want to write about the last four years, the last two weeks and the last forty minutes, but my brain isn't quite up to snuff right now.
We settled our case this afternoon.
This whole thing is over. Over. OVER! OHMYGOD!
***************************
Oh, and just to not leave anyone hanging: It is a fraction of what we would have been awarded by the jury, but it is cash in our hands. In three weeks. Not two years.
And it is enough.

Oh my God! Congratulations! I just posted a comment and when I refreshed, Oh my God!! Just so fabulous! What relief you must feel! Go out and have a celebration tonight!
Posted by: snakeepoo | June 14, 2007 at 01:54 PM
Aieee!!! I can't believe it!! I ... can't believe it!!!!
NOW GO GET THAT HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Caroline | June 14, 2007 at 01:54 PM
YAY! That's fabulous!
Big deep breath of relief for you guys.
Posted by: Woman with Kids | June 14, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Congratulations! I am thrilled for all of you!!
Posted by: Jen | June 14, 2007 at 02:12 PM
i'm so happy for you! you did it!
Posted by: stephanie | June 14, 2007 at 02:52 PM
THANK GOD. I'm so glad it's an amount that's acceptable to you, and that you'll get it right away. SO much better than a jury award that might be tied up in appeals forever, and that you might never end up seeing. Again I say, THANK GOD. I'm so happy for you I could cry. Seriously. Have. Lump. In. Throat.
Posted by: Lori | June 14, 2007 at 03:05 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!! So happy for you all!!!
Posted by: Nancy | June 14, 2007 at 03:10 PM
Longtime lurker here wishing you and your family multitudes of congratulations! I'm so happy for you!
Posted by: Amy | June 14, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Holy fucking crap!!!
Go get that dream house!!!
Posted by: mothergoosemouse | June 14, 2007 at 03:57 PM
congratulations, your family deserves it. have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: stephanie s | June 14, 2007 at 05:01 PM
Congrats - - great news!
Posted by: relieved for you | June 14, 2007 at 05:18 PM
I am thrilled beyond measure for all of you. There is nothing in life like being able to move forward from difficulty. Enjoy basking in the victory and all of your future plans!
Posted by: Heather | June 14, 2007 at 05:26 PM
Congratulations! I've been following your story for months and when I read on Julie's blog that it was over I almost cried.
Go get that house, lady. You guys so deserve it.
Posted by: Liz | June 14, 2007 at 07:57 PM
Fucking yeah!
Posted by: Karen | June 14, 2007 at 08:34 PM
I've been reading your blog since I moved to Maine two years ago (not long after you, too, made the move up North). I check it everyday for an update and have, in the past few weeks, been checking more often to see whether you would finally get what you deserve. Congratulations on the end to your long journey. So sorry that you had to experience any of this at all, but good luck in moving on from here. Be well.
Posted by: GMcC | June 14, 2007 at 09:41 PM
So fucking cool.
It seems a little strange to say congratulations in a situation like this- perhaps it would be better to say "Justice is served". Either way... it's long overdue and well deserved. May your lives be much, much easier now.
Posted by: Sharon | June 14, 2007 at 10:07 PM
Great, Madge. I have been following every word. I hope you have much peace of mind and happiness now that this chapter is over.
Posted by: Suebob | June 14, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Congratulations! That is great news!
Posted by: Susan | June 15, 2007 at 12:03 AM
What a wonderful way to start the summer. You both must be so relieved and exhausted. And as Lori above said, it's money in your hands and not a jury award that could be appealed and/or reduced. My best to you and to Tugboat, "best Plaintiff witness ever" is a large compliment to be sure.
Posted by: Marcia | June 15, 2007 at 07:43 AM
HUGE sigh of relief.
I am so, so happy for you. You and I have some things to celebrate--let's get on that.
Posted by: Jess | June 15, 2007 at 08:56 AM
I saw this on Julie's blog and had to come over and say congratulations! What a relief for your whole family.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 15, 2007 at 09:20 AM
Congratulations!
Posted by: velocibadgergirl | June 15, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Congratulations! Big sigh of relief, eh?
Posted by: maggie | June 15, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Oh HOORAY HOORAY HOORAY!
Wow, what a huge weight off. I can't even imagine how elated you must be. Huge congrats to you all.
Posted by: Mom101 | June 15, 2007 at 03:00 PM
CONGRATULATIONS! Woo-hoo! I've been a long time reader, sometime commenter...I'm so thrilled for you guys! I hope you're able to go back to Maine and make that dream house yours!
Congrats. What a HUGE relief!
Posted by: leelee | June 15, 2007 at 05:01 PM