A STRESS FILLED DAY

Today was a difficult and stress filled day. Between the strained communications with my children’s father and the failed expectation of running water being restored, I was not sure how much more of this I could take. But at least the weather is warming and the snow is slowly melting.

The emails and texts going back and forth to both my older daughter and her father were never-ending. It was both physically and emotionally draining. It has been five weeks since I had seen either of my girls and over two weeks since I last talked with my younger daughter as she simply refuses to speak with me.

My older daughter begged me to stay another week at her father’s house. When I asked for a reason, she simply stated they had plans to go to a friend’s house and she wanted to have fun. In trying to compromise, I agreed to one more week in exchange for being able to make up that time the following week. Her counteroffer was to stay at my place for two nights and return two weeks later.

At the same time I was communicating with the other household, I received an email from the management at the apartment complex that certain buildings would have their water turned on by 16,10. I was excited when it turned out that the building I was in would be amongst the ones to have water. However, when the time came and past, hope dwindled and the promise of water was no more. The pipes were frozen and we would have to be more patient as we wait for them to thaw.

The texts to my daughter continued well past the time when the girls should have been at my place. The next request was to let her go shower at a family friend’s house since that friend had running water. Reluctantly I agreed, knowing that it would be hours until they actually showed up here.

From the time she made the request to the time she showed up, four hours passed. It was both frustrating and unbelievable that the other parent would be so incredibly insensitive and dismissive of my wanting to spend equal time with our children.

When my older daughter showed up at the door, my heart sank as I saw that she was alone. Her sister decided not to come see me. However, we made the best of what was left of the evening and I was happy that I now had two of my children with me. We played two rounds of Uno, both of which she won. She then settled into the top bunk of her bed and turned to her phone for entertainment.

Anyone who has gone through a divorce knows how difficult a situation that can be. When one combines teenage years with a parent who is unwilling to cooperate and communicate, the result is impossible and damaging to everyone involved.

If my daughters are reading this, I want you to know that I love you and miss you. I understand these teenage years are difficult but know that I am there for you. Though I might not have a big house, a boat, a buggy, a new sibling for you, and loads of money, I have all the love in the world for you.