Another one joins the flock (Part II)

[Mike85]

Took oldest son to pediatrician for re-evaluation for his panic attacks (the original reason for him seeing a counselor). His panic attacks have diminished, but he talked about the stress of mom & dad being apart. The doctor was great, making sure that son understood that our problems were not his fault, that both parents love him, etc. He discussed son's need to be patient at this time.

Interesting note was that when son was describing the situation in his own words, he mentioned that mommy sat him down and told him that she was going to get back together with daddy and move back in someday, but that she didn't know when. At least she's keeping her spiel consistent. I want to believe her (as does my son), but trust comes hard after her lying to me and her friends. I'd like to cling to her words to our son as a source of hope, but...

The doctor asked me as an aside what was up and I described the situation briefly. He said "Sounds like a classic case of midlife crisis." I almost burst out laughing. he was glad that wife and I were obviously doing right by the kids, based on what he heard from my son. His only concern was that I keep an eye out for my kids with regards to wife's bf. Told me some signs to watch out for and how to carefully tell kids to talk to mom or me if her bf says/does "weird" things, hits them, etc.

Then doctor told ME the importance of my being patient at this time (geez, did you guys give him a heads up or something?).

In a happier note, the principal of my prospective new district called me this morning to congratulate me on the school board voting to hire me. He said there was one dissenting vote, but that it was a protest vote to demonstrate objection to bumping my pay up by $2K. The principal welcomed me as an official member of his district. It felt great. Texted good news to wife, who texted back a congrats.

Stopped by my parish to thank my priest for his support and prayers for the new job and let him know the positive results, and dontcha know, he was conducting a spiritual healing service! My sons and I stayed for a healing/blessing, and then when the time for exchanging the sign of peace occurred, I let him know my good news. He hugged me and said "One prayer request down, one to go!" Then he had my sons and I stand before the small crowd, introduced us, and told them my/our good news. We got congrats and we all thanked God for the answering of prayer. Had to leave b/c the three-year-old wasn't digging the overheated chapel scene, but as we were leaving, my priest mouthed to me (while holding up fingers) - "One down...one to go!"

Those four words could be my new mantra.