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RubyRose
February 3rd, 2009, 07:58 AM
Alright. So the bare bones of this is simply that hubby and I separated on November 26th 2008.

A lot had been going on in the previous few months leading up to our separation. My mother dying and the reactions of those around me, to the way in which I chose to grieve didn't help. I put the life of my unborn baby first at the time of my mother's grieve and to an extent just moved on, and when he was born, my world came crashing down and reality set in. There's no other way to explain it, other than that.

I was depressed, tired and angry. Not at anyone in particular but I took it out on the wrong people. My husband mostly. Of course he didn't appreciate that, and my in law's didn't like the treatment I was giving their son. But nobody understood my need to just grieve. To just be completely selfish and want time to myself, time to do whatever and time to just sleep. Not the greatest way to fix oneself I know. But instead of pitching in and just letting me be for a few weeks. Hubby and my inlaw's decided that they'd best try and diagnose the problem.

By early November I'd started counselling and been placed on anti depressants. Almost put into a mental clinic as a way to fix me. But nothing was moving fast enough for hubby or my mother in law. I tried, but I didn't know enough, and I certainly didn't want to go back to the past year of ignoring the problems.

So when hubby took off to his mother's with our eldest two, I took off with our youngest to my dad's. Packed a bag for the two of us, and a few supplies and ran essentially.

One and a half weeks later, I was in court seeking legal proceedings to get all three of our kids in my custody. I won, but the victory was short lived. I've spent from December 7th trying to make hubby and my in law's see why I did what I did with going to court. It hasn't worked. Until February 1st when hubby seems to have done an about face over night. His entire attitude has changed towards me. I'm greatful that he says that we're "okay" and that he's not going to ruin things between us, but I'm incredibly wary of him. I trust him but I don't.

You see we have a meeting with a court family guidance counsellor this Friday and I'm scared there's something in the works. He's hinted as much as that when he's been angry of late, but it could all just be talk. He's not easy to read.

My ideal goal has always been for us to reconsile and get back to being a couple and the parents of three young kids ... together. I know many of you may wonder why, those of you who know me, and my time here, will most likely know of the history my husband and I share. It's difficult at times to say the least. Things have happened in the last two years, that I still stuggle with at times. But we'll have spent 9 years together as of the 18th February and while there has been bad times I feel that while perhaps this break may be the best thing we've done. (yes, I've only come to this realisation late in the game - originally I never wanted such a thing) I don't want us to separate perminently unless we truly can't make it work.

The main thing I worry about is, my mother in law, and her involvement in our relationship. I worry what kind of impact she'll have if we wind up back together, living in our own place with the kids. I worry also, that she has been a driving force when it comes to hubby's access times with the kids.

We've only been married for 2 and a half years out of the 9 we've been together. At 25, with 3 kids under three, I have to remain optimistic and hopeful, because at present its just too hard on the kids.

I feel a little like I'm trapped. Being iron deficient and only just been placed on iron suppliments these last 12 weeks have been hell-ish for me and I haven't coped as well as I could have. I've been worn out constantly, but have had to get up to my kids, all the while knowing that my husband doesn't have a care in the world, hurts.

I only hope that there are no surprises waiting for me on Friday, and hubby really is genuine in his change of attitude. I hope that something also comes up by way of a job for hubby, or else all my plans for us if we are to get back together will be put on hold. We can't get a place to rent, or even look at buying something for ourselves without a decent income.

I feel like I've come full circle, and not in a good way. I never wanted to be living back in my parents house, under these kind of circumstances.

brigidrose
February 3rd, 2009, 08:58 AM
I have been divorced with three small children. We survived and they have become wonderful people.

It was very hard, I will not lie, but the universe helped and my parents did help when they could, babysit, ect.

If you want to save the relationship, I would let him and the counsler know how you feel about his mother. You come first, then the children. She is in the back now.

I know there is more, and the depression from your loss, contributed to thier worries but they should have given you your space. Did you ask?

Talk to you husband, sit down face to face and ask him whats going on. See if you pick up anything. Stay in counseling, but get off the antidepressants, if you can, with the help of the doctor of course. Take something like Valerian root or something like a combo of naturals, health food stores would have them, especially being pregnant. Talk to your doctor about them also. Even naturals have side affects.

Hugs to you and remember the energies are shifting alot in relationships lately, my (now) husband and I had our shift beginning of last year, it came to a head in July and has been wonderful.
Now, it was not fun to go through, but we did make it to the other side together. You will too.

BearDancing
February 3rd, 2009, 09:57 AM
Feelling for you my sweet...personally I would stay on the anti depressent if they are helping....if you are still depressed they are not working.....Brigitrose is right....there is a HUGE shift these days... it is more of a soul calling.... if you are not happy.... or do not trust him.... leave him..... taking care of yourself and your children is hard enough without having to worry about him getting a job or acting like a puppet for his mother..... you really do not need it..... think long and hard about this.... why did he take the two children anyways... to punish you... I do not get a great sense about him.... you are such an incredible lady... if it is MEANT to be.... you will be with him.... just for now.... let him fight for you...f it...make him do the work....you are occupied by the children and they take lots of time and love....make him SHOW you how he will provide...and their are ways to provide even if you do not have a job.....pray and protect yourself for the meeting....the best will come of the situation...let go and let Spirit...when I am overwhelmed I give it to Spirit and pray to be open for his guidance...even if I have to do it 200 times a day....it is more healthy than letting a million things run through your head....to no avail

Forest Child
February 3rd, 2009, 11:10 AM
It sounds like you have been through an incredibly difficult time. Few of us deal with bereavement in the way it is shown in the films, often we just don't feel the reality of it until some time afterwards and by then everyone expects us to magically have 'got over it' as though one ever does!

You had a double whammy with belated bereavement coupled with what sounds like post natal depression. Its impossible for anyone else to know how you felt right then but why you reacted with bitterness, selfishness and anger is directly traceable to the self preservation you had to maintain. A counsellor will understand this and through your sessions, it may become apparent to your husband too.

Brigidrose has some wonderful advice regarding letting him and the counsellor know how you feel about your mother in law, her input into the marriage, how you feel about issues of trust etc.

Its easy for others such as myself to stand on the sidelines and offer this or that but how do you feel about giving it another go? What do you think you would regret if you didn't try right now? If in a year's time, you still feel that things are not working, can you make a decision to separate then? Looking at lots of different questions, seeing how weighted your argument for staying or leaving is will help you to come to the right decision.

True love can sometimes mean being strong for the strangest of reasons but you will know, deep down what decisions you are capable of making and which are too difficult or innapropriate. Whatever you decide, will be right for where you are now given all the factors.

wrenjamin
February 4th, 2009, 02:32 PM
RR,

I've followed numerous posts about you and your situation with your husband, and never commented because I never felt that I had anything constructive to say. However, after reading this post, I feel like I must chime in.

I think that jumping back into your marriage at this point will spell disaster, not only for you and hubby, but also for your children. You've given him many opportunities to change, and he has not. You've taken the steps to improve your situation, he never has. To argue that YOU are the only person who has brought your relationship to where it is - that's not fair.

The bottom line is that you don't trust him, and there is no relationship that can survive without that foundation. I know it will be hard, but perhaps it would be for the best to look at separating for the time being. This will give you and hubby chances to improve yourselves, and the children the opportunity to have two grounded parents. Truthfully, I think that any other way is going to lead to disaster.

You still need time to fully grieve for your mother, and I don't think you'll be given that time if you are to have another go - I think that the stress of all that will just pile up uncontrollably.

I'm not saying that you should divorce, or leave him for good. Just suggesting that the space might give you both some much needed perspective on the best possible future for you - and your children.

Best,
Wren

Flux
February 4th, 2009, 02:39 PM
I second wrenjamin.

dawntreader
February 4th, 2009, 09:29 PM
I agree with wrenjamin as well.

Sequoia
February 4th, 2009, 10:55 PM
I'll fourth what wrenjamin said.

Ruby, in the entire time I've seen you post on MW, you've never seemed happy or fulfilled with this guy. He may be the father of your children, but he's never acted like a Dad. YOU have always been the one to bear the responsibility, and you were always the one reaching out to him.

Is it really wise to keep wasting your personal resources on a man that so clearly doesn't want to change?

I'll go a step further than wrenjamin. I don't think you're likely to find true fulfillment with this man. You may find that you two are happier, and nicer to each other, separated. Just because you've been with a person a long time doesn't mean you belong together. It just means you've been around them and gotten attached.

I wish you the very best... but were I in your situation, I would be figuring out a way to live separately.

Keep him in your life, by all means - children deserve a father - but that doesn't mean that you must live with him, be married to him, or otherwise obligate yourself to him. You've given him NINE YEARS to grow up... and he hasn't yet. What has he shown to tell you that he's suddenly going to change now?

Spend some time apart, and see how you feel. I think that's probably the wisest way to go. Staying together "for the children's sake" has never made anyone truly happy, nor has it ever really been good for the children involved.

RubyRose
February 5th, 2009, 12:49 AM
Thanks ... I think. Sometimes I wish I didn't have so much time to think. The stupid thing in all this, and actually since I initially posted this, is that I do know that we both need time and space. I just wish we didn't have to loose everything to achieve what we possibly could have achieved if only we'd had the right tools. The counsellor that we as a couple are seeing, we should have been seeing about 18 months ago. Actually there's a lot of things we should have addressed 18 months ago. Communication it seems at least with us, in the key.

I'm feeling rather vunerable right now. I'm back where I was 3 years ago, feeling trapped in a cage and feeling like I'm not in control of my own life. Despite our problems, at least we had a place of our own.

My dad has made it clear to me on numerous occasions that this is his house. The longer I stay here the more I feel like I'm an unwanted guest. I'm not sure this battle for the kids, lawyers and visitation rights is my fight or whether it's just my dad against hubby's mum. That he wants revenge because of the time that he and my mother missed out on with the grandkids.

12 weeks and I feel as though I'm no better off than I was at the start. Actually it feels worse, because so much more has happened since.

If I move out from here, I'm not even sure what I'd be gaining. I'm not even sure I'd be able to gain access to "our" stuff that's in storage. Let alone being able to access the things that are rightfully mine.

I have $8,000 sitting in a bank account which I can't touch. And a father who's willing to take it all if I leave. I haven't just been a pawn in my own game. I'm a pawn in my father's game and I hate it. 25 years old, 3 kids, little money and no real possessions to speak of.

BlueEyedWolf
February 5th, 2009, 01:35 AM
:hugz::hugz::hugz:stay strong RubyRose, it's not easy, but you will find your way:hugz::hugz::hugz:

SilverClaw
February 5th, 2009, 05:09 AM
I am not surprised you feel the way you do and I hope that things work out for you and that you Take the time to heal and not rush back into things.

Ĉon Flux
February 5th, 2009, 07:58 AM
I can't claim any knowledge to the situation you're going through.

All I can give is the advice as a child of separated parents.

Right now I would think it's important for you to sit down and breathe deeply. Figure out what would make you feel more happy, balanced and a better mum, and a better self.
If these things aren't achieved by going back with your hubby, then don't. In the long run it is far better to make as clean of a break as early on as possible then to go back and try, and try and eventually have everything turn more sour then lemons.
Don't do anything for the sake of being a whole family.
Do something for you. If you don't function or feel at least a little bit peaceful or centered your kids will pick up on that.

There have been many times I wish my mother would have thought a bit more about what she needed.

So be selfish, if your hubby and his family doesn't like it, try not to care. Your children will probably have a happy mother then a mother and father who lives together but an unhappy mother. (note, these are just my ideas)
If being selfish means going back to him, then do.
What you need to do is follow your heart and soul. And I hope you do. And I will send you energy and hope.

Good luck!

wrenjamin
February 6th, 2009, 10:14 AM
How did the meeting go, RR?

RubyRose
February 7th, 2009, 03:30 AM
Thanks...

Well the meeting on Friday the 6th went relatively fine. I don't really understand the point. Nothing was set "in stone" so to speak and hubby didn't even bring his lawyer. I felt like the whole thing could have been accomplished had hubby and I sat down with our counsellor and hashed it out.

Oh, and my mother in law was there, and not once did I see her glance up or mutter a single word.

She's currently down south for the weekend, without Xander, visiting her parents, and despite feeling like I've been run over by a tonne of bricks (damn cold) I'm actually getting a small bit of enjoyment from the fact that my mother in law is missing out on seeing her grandkids whenever she wants.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want to deliberately hurt anybody. But when somebody you've known and trusted for almost 9 years, physically holds you down, and get's your own husband to take the baby you're nursing from you, and only days later decides that you'd be better off in a psych ward of some public hospital for no other reason than "it was for you own good" things turn nasty and crazy rapidly.

And really, I still don't believe that I was doing anybody any harm. I mean is there any real harm in being upset and depressed, scared and worried about the future?

The things that went through my head, seriously, if I could have escaped from my mother in law's house with all three kids and myself that night I would have.


Meanwhile, hubby and I are getting along reasonably well. My dad is rather indifferent. Worried as usual, and the question of "what if he doesn't get a job" came up. Um, well I hadn't really got that far Dad but thanks, make me more on edge than I already am.

Why do I keep thinking he doesn't want the kids and I around much longer than six months?

Falling Star
March 8th, 2009, 02:05 PM
hi Ruby Rose,
I too lost my mother, i know how hard that is! my partner and i split up the same time, my mum was diagnosed with cancer when my daughter was two weeks old.
I remember not knowing Which to grieve for, i have also experienced interfering mother in law.
I have a lot of compassion and empathy for your problem, but i do see a bright light at the end of your tunnel, happier times ahead!
"all that is meant to be, will be"
We gain strength and power from all life experiences, however tough they may be.
Sending you lots of love and light.xxx