The Black Knight II

[LoisB]

I had an interesting day yesterday.

There is a sales rep in our little office now. When I came in, it was the first moment I had a breather from both girls and I vented about my Thanksgiving surprises.

She was lovely and listened and supported me. I feel like I made a new friend. She vented some about her family too.

Turns out she was sorta the OW and is now married to a man who, it appears to me, had a MLC. Not sure I want her as my best friend? But, I did respect the fact that he called her and she said, "Don't call me again until you separated from your wife."

IDK. I appreciate having someone who listened and I can't help but having my guard up a bit when she revealed some of her life. Still, God put someone in my path who supported me when I needed it. I'm grateful for this.

Then, I took D12 with me, after work to meet up with the special ed teacher who homeschools. D12 hung out with her 13-year-old daughter and I was able to gather some support and info from the mom.

She is a smart cookie and reassured me a lot.

Turns out the superintendent of our school district is very supportive of homeschool families, especially when disabilities are in the mix. This woman recommended I make an appt and go talk to the Superintendent one-on-one.

She also gave me a measure of common sense in terms of Smokey. She pointed out that he hasn't made an issue of the homeschooling for four years. Yes, he has said he wasn't happy about it, but in terms of actually parenting and taking steps to DO anything about it...?? Nope, he let it be. She reminded me that a judge will see this and ask, "Why now?"

She said so many nice, comforting things. She said, "You H sounds like he is being vindictive and angry he was abandoned. He is lashing out in anger to get your attention. Let him. You will be fine. This is a supportive community."

Then, she told me about a female atty who homeschools her kids and lives in the area.

I didn't feel nearly as panicked after talking to her. For some reason, I was able, while listening, to see Smokey's desperation in all this and I calmed down.

And, I didn't spread the panic to D12. I calmed down and realized, we will take this one step atta time and put things into place as we have been. D12 really needs me to be the calm in the storm. WE cannot and will not be pulled on a tether to suit this man who hasn't parented in years.

I will meet with the Superi. this week, but I'm not going to be bullied into scaring D12. I will get the discovery info to my atty as I'm able.

I also made an appt for Thursday with the psychotherapist. Haven't told D12 yet. That will be fun!