I am happy to know that my posts are appreciated. Makes coming back worthwhile!
I always thought the complete family was the ideal too. But being raised in the sixties/seventies that was the norm. Better to sweep it under the rug than let anyone else know that things inside your 4 walls were not peachy. My H suffered bouts of manic depression and my life at times was difficult.
I actually have 2 boys. My oldest, Ryan became severely brain damaged following a cold at age 4.5. I already had my second son, Brandon who was a baby. Years of tough times followed and the decision to have Ashley was difficult. But it was right for us, although I remember making H promise the M would last (we'd had some shakiness) and our baby cemented that commitment. Sigh...
Teens are difficult no matter what you do. No matter how great you raise them. This is where it can be very helpful to have her onside with you on important parenting issues and rules. I never shared custody. Ashley was turning 13 the week her dad flew. He did nothing to assist me following his departure. I did enable his visits (for both of their sakes) by driving he and her places as our M ended with a DUI. I have no regrets.
Funny what you posted about Survivor Canada. This morning a "Survivor" motel in town burned down. Never heard of it. There are mostly major hotel chains here. Surviving without running water at the cottage is as far as it goes for me. I do have the electric blankie, electric lap blanket, electricity etc. But in the frozen north - it would be a most dangerous Survivor. Finding food. Avoiding frostbite. YUCK - just thinking about it gives me the shivers. Still, beats snakes!
Have a good one, Kerry. I see your life getting better by the day.
