*Big Bearhugs for my Jam-Jam*
Hey honey, You aren't a disappointment as a person, but your lack of self esteem and self-worth is a disappointment. The act is bad, not the person, get what I'm tryin to say? I know it's been a hard slog, and frankly, we both know it's still only really early days, esp. if your ex decides (and frankly, he's probably inclined to for the sheer will of being able to do so) to stir as much **** for you as he can. He doesn't want u to be happy, he just wants u and he wants control and he wants everything back to the way it used to be, we know this. The fact you've started taking on his guilt again is a concern, and I've heard u mention the guilt thing several times in as many days, which leads me to believe you're not as 'over it' as your councellor seems to think you were. Maybe that's where this relapse into past bad habits has led you, ultimately, huh?? It kinda seems like a step back... but it doesn't have to push you back further. You have enough on your plate without making more problems for yourself in the guilt department. Deal with one issue at a time. You are 'sane' now *chuckles enviously* that's one hurdle over. Lets look to the next one, don't focus on the hurdle you've tripped on... (She's full of wild euphamisms tonight, huh boys and girls?? ****** brow like Rob*)
As for the rest of it... I think the kids can be 12 years when the courts take their opinions into consideration, not 16. It may all change long before they're that age, though, so *** only knows I suppose. The fact you're getting your life on track is great, but stop looking so-so-sooo far ahead. I kinda agree its a good thing, afterall, he told u basically you couldn't take the kids, and now he's actually discovered its not as easy as he thought he wants to relinquish responsibility back and forth at his own crazy whims. The kids will end up being ushered back and forth because he can't make up his mind what he wants and he's STILL trying to dictate to you despite the fact you aren't even together or in the same house anymore... He's got issues he needs to deal with on his own, and frankly, this may sound cold, but he made this bed for himself with threatening you not to take the kids so he should lie in it a while and get a taste of what you've been through over the last 11 years... He's such a devoted dad? Let him prove it... I could almost gaurantee (sp?) that before long the kids will get in the way of his lifestyle again and he'll all but hand them back... Time will tell on that score I guess.
And as much as I know you're afraid of the worst-case-scenario, but you know the odds are greater he'd do it to you before he did it to them... (You know what I'm referring to). Don't walk back blindfolded. Have faith that things will work themselves out in the end. They kinda have to. In the optimistic view, you've already been to ****, now you're coming back after an 11 year Sabatical there (personally, I'd rather go somewhere a little more picturesque... Ireland, maybe, America, for sure, but only if it is lurking outside Rob's bedroom window *evil smirk*) so things kinda can't get much worse than the had been like 2 months ago. If they do... well... *shrugs* What can we do? How do you stop a bullet let alone 3? Short answer, in all reality is, we can't, and I never wanna have to find out. We'll deal with that if it ever happens. Frankly, we've gotta stop thinking about that and start looking at the positives. After nearly 6 weeks you can do, think, dress, meet, stay out and say what you please without the tyrannical dictatorship of your (ex-)husband questioning, negating, and undermining everything you do. That's many positives right there. So looking at it like this... smoking is not really a biggie, at least not now. Sure, I'm upset at your regression, but I worry that the longer you divulge that crutch the harder itll be to get off yet again (and I've been around a few years and seen you struggle time and again with this addiction, let's face it, time and you're own feelings of guilt and inadiquacy are your own worst enemies right about now, and they don't need a helping hand to bring you down, right???)
Jammersin, I'll always love you, you are my best friend, and you are the closest thing I have to a sister, and on top of all that you are a special, unique and individual person in your own right. It shouldn't bother you what I think, you know for all my tough talk I'd never turn my back on you (except with the abandonment issue, that's my biggie) you're my muse, my homes, and I'm here for you as long as you need me... even if you do reek of cigarette smoke now and I don't wanna hug you when you smell worse than Chicken Fricasee BO from it... *smirks*
Well... take care. Talk to you when you wake up (if I let ever you back near computer with my furious downloading rampage taking place over at The Linkin Park Times!!! Frickin Fantastic!!!) Take care sista-girl, remember, Rave's got your back (well, if she were a few inches taller maybe it'd be a physical possibility, but *meh* you get the sentiment, huh?) Sweet dreams. Go ride a horse with BBB, cheer yourself up, like *BWG*
-Rav