Most all of us here know that painful moment. I was completely caught off guard when a deputy showed up at my house with papers, and he could tell. He was a little shame-faced, and I was trying to keep my composure. But - the waiting and not knowing is the worst. You know they are out there, so no shocker. When they are served, just politely smile, sign it and go back in. Okay, the worst has happened. We move on from here.
It is a sick, terrifying moment, but we live on. My advice:
If you feel you need it, seek help from your family doctor for sleep aides, but listen to him closely, as they are addicting. YOU HAVE TO REST. Not only for yourself but for your kids. Getting sick won't help the situation. You usually have a certain amount of days to respond. You have to be thinking clearly to do that. That requires sleep. When you are rested, and calm, then decide your next move. Don't do anything in a panic. Once you are served, the ball is truly in your court.
I contested the divorce,just so you know. Makes him prove the whys and wherefores in my State.
Next, once you've gotten hold of yourself-and that ain't easy- you start Getting A Life. No, you can't shuck all your responsibilities like he has, but carve out a little "ME" time for youself. Just a bit at a time. Before you know it, the chink is a chunk.
Anyway, I don't mean to come off sounding like Obie-Wan-Kanobie here. Just some advice from a been-there-done-that fellow LBS.
(((HUGS))
ME: 54 Him: 51 M: 20 years T: 21 years OW/New wife: 36 Sons & Daughters: 7 (ages 24-36) Bomb: March 4, 2010 He Filed: April 28, 2010 I Contested: May 1, 2010 Standing Down: 11/24/10 Divorced : 05/04/2011
