Beginning now...

[irishblessings]

Punkin and Brooke - thank you. Your words help so much.

Have struggled through the last couple of days. XH called me yesterday. Haven't talked to him in a very long time. Wanted to know if everything was alright with son because he wasn't answering his texts or calls. I said, "well I really don't feel comfortable talking about this right now because the last couple of times I have reached out to you regarding son it has come back to bite me." He said - "is son angry?" "Um, yes he is angry!" "At me???" "To be honest son is almost 18 years old - your relationship is between the two of you." XH replies - "ok fine."

This happens as I pull up son's grades online and they are horrible. At my wits end! So, I finally suck it up and email his school counselor and teachers. Very professionally - no bashing - but letting them know that son has been struggling and that I am the custodial parent. This situation is made worse because these same counselors and teachers are XH's co-workers. Thankfully however, the responses I got were so supportive. Very clearly - and very professionally letting me know that they recognize how difficult this situation is on son. Everyone can see the physical and social-emotional changes in XH.

I feel better now that I made the contacts. Can't say that it is not a bit embarrassing - but it's in my son's best interest.

One good message. My son's guidance counselor emailed me later in the day and said he had met with him. He said that my son said he had a lot of respect for me and felt that if he needed anything or had a problem he could definitely turn to me.

I am worn out! I am really not a drama queen - I don't thrive on chaos or crisis. I need some really really good times!!!