I had planned a full day out today with my children but was given very short notice yesterday by W to say I could only see them for a couple of hours because she was arranging for them to do something else rather than be with me. I said "No" I would have them all day as planned. W then asked to speak to one of the children to decide what to do. I explained they were busy and that I would decide. I said to W that she would have to respect that I am their father and that I have made the decision that they will be with me for the full day. W seemed to agree, reluctantly.
Yesterday, FiL arrived to take the children earlier than planned. I asked if he would wait longer. He claimed I was refusing to let them go with him. I wasn't. I politely and firmly told him that he would have to respect that I am their father. He left. The children were pleased. W collected them later (kids said she had been at a meeting after work with 2 others either of whom I suspect might be OM if she is having/had A).
I then felt something different about me, like I'd never felt before. W has told lies, left me, broken our family, has been taking money etc. but my final straw was her lack of respect for me with the children. I have looked after them pretty much on my own since they were born and I've done a fantastic job - they are great kids doing extremely well at school. Yet W doesn't respect me at all.
