Right after BD in March I took both my boys. 3 and 6 on an 8 day cruise that was already planned that H obviously wouldn't go on. It was definitely upsetting at the time but we made the best of it and the boys still talk about the trip regularly and ask to go again. We made great memories the 3 of us and it was really good for all of us mentally too.
Plan things in advance. Figure out (if traveling by plane) how you will manage bags etc. I condensed what I could and my boys were quite helpful.
Your first trip doesn't have to be a big one. Maybe a car trip somewhere not too far to get your feet wet and boost your PMA
I traveled with my kids alone by car when they were 4 and 18 months from Arizona to Ohio. At a rest stop, the 18 mo old was in the stall with me and the 4 yr old was just outside the door. 18 mo old makes a break for it, under the door and he's off. I'm midstream and yell to the older one, "Grab your brother!" I was finally out the door still half dressed and caught him before he got out the door to the outside. Sheesh!
They also locked me out of the motel room one night and waved at me from the window. They thought that was hilarious.
I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Me 57/H 58 M36 S 2.5yrs R 12/13
Let me give up the need to know why things happen as they do. I will never know and constant wondering is constant suffering. Caroline Myss
This weekend I am taking S8 camping all by myself which is a total first. It's going to be freezing and I have NO experience but that's half the fun-- doing something you never thought you could do and then feeling like a total bada$$ once you do it. It will build your confidence and help take your mind off things.
Good luck!!
Me 26 ; H 26 S 8 Married less than a year Bomb 9/15/14 H moves out 9/15/14 H Files 11/21/14 Served D papers 12/31/14
I'm not a mom - but I totally think you have this.
When my mom got divorced, I was younger than your daughter. My mom packed up me, the dog, what little furniture my dad would let her have and moved us back to where we live now. Within about a year or so after the divorce, she bought a falling down farm house in the middle of nowhere, and moved me (aged 3 at the time) the dog, a cat, all our worldly possessions into this house. Nearest neighbors were over a mile away. She renovated that house on her own, having no money, no idea what she was doing. She was armed with determination. My first memories are on that farm. And you know what? I respect the hell out of her for doing that. It would've been safe to continue to live with her sister after the D. Or to get a townhouse and stay in the city. But she forged her own way, despite the unknowns.
M:32,H 32 T:10, M5 BD/H Move Out: 9/2014 - extreme anger H Mental Illness Diagnosis: 4/15 Served D Papers: 10/15 Divorced: 11/15
I don't have any kids and I cannot imagine doing what you brave folks are describing. It sounds incredibly stressful and chaotic. I admire you strong moms so much!
But Claire I will say that you can do it! Things that seem scary and hard are usually not as bad as you expect, and even of they are terrible if you have a can-do attitude you can get through the stress with laughs.
I like the idea of planning a short road trip or flight with your daughter and just making it happen! I think you will surprise yourself with how easy and fun it is. I think 99% of it is all about the attitude.
Trust me. A short trip is so worth it.i took mine s8 & d4 on a 3 hr drive out of town for a couple of days. It was awesome! We did things they & I have never done before. Dog sledding, ice skating, & snow tubing. We even changed a flat in downtown at 9pm. Those interactions your kids will never forget. Later on they will remember your strength in these dark times & pattern themselves after you!
PS. You would not believe the looks I get when I take my d into the men's restroom. Its even funnier when she tells me to hold her hands to help her push.lol. jimmy cracked corn & I don't care.
M40 XW35 M11 T15 S9 D5 Bomb 6/3/14 Papers del 10/3/14 D final 12/5/14
I wish I could love you and make you believe it 'Cause that's all you ever wanted From me
Thank you for all the inspiring stories and words of encouragement!
Just had to share the weird dream I had: H invited me to his birthday party, I showed up and all his friends were there. .. some of whom gave me looks like, ' what the heck are YOU doing here? ' it was strange.
