Just stopping by to say hi to everyone...it's been a bit, but things are actually going pretty well right now.
I've learned that the statement "DB isn't for your the other partner, it's for YOU" is absolute truth, and I'm honestly grateful that I found this forum and the DB book.
Did it fix the m? No.
But it has DEFINITELY helped me despite all of my ups and downs through this process. And for that, I'm always going to be grateful.
This evening, my atty is drawing up my counter-petition. I've gone no contact (except where our S is involved) after finally hitting my breaking point with her abusive behavior towards me. And I know that sounds weird, but now, I find that I'm in a far, far better place mentally and emotionally than I was even before W moved out.
In about two months, this entire drama should be over.
Atty looked over my case, the abuse, the MSA, and the fact that W brought S to live with me a couple months ago and said "this is going to be an easy case." So at least I'm going to be able to find some peace when this is all over.
I've learned a lot about myself throughout this process. I've learned to deal with grief in a more constructive way by using it to push me to better myself. I've learned that sometimes things are beyond my control, and I've learned that there's always a point where, no matter the hell you've been through, you can learn to let it go and just walk away from it.
So now, I've found a new battleground to make my stand on...being the best dad I can possibly be. And so far, things are going far better than I had expected. I know there are going to be some really difficult times ahead, and I welcome them because they are another chance to go above and beyond for my S.
I may not have changed W's mind, but I have learned to accept what I can, stand up for myself and my S when I can't accept things, and fight hard to make sure that his life is the best life I can make it be.
At first, I was empty, crushed, hopeless. Now I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I know that despite the hell, I'm stronger than I was before.
And for that...I thank you all.
My updates may be slower, but I do plan to check in now and then as I work my way through the final phase of this D, and I hope that my updates will be good news.
