I love my children more than I could possibly put into words. I love them more than the air that I breathe. They are everything that is good in this world. I would do anything to protect them. I would die to protect them. I always thought that would be enough.... but I was wrong. … Continue reading The Parenting Plan
Tag: court
The First Time I Called the Police
Yesterday, I heard an employee of a domestic violence agency speaking on the radio. She was telling the story of my marriage.... summing John up perfectly. It was as if she had lived my life.... or watched it unfold somehow. One thing that she said that really resonated with me is that many people think … Continue reading The First Time I Called the Police
Telephone War
Having a child with autism who can become aggressive can be utterly exhausting. James was always really well behaved for me. He rarely showed any negative behaviors when we were together (with the exception of when John was present and instigating). When James was not with me, however, he frequently became aggressive and even violent. … Continue reading Telephone War
John’s Character
It's amazing how threatening a subtle comment can be when you have a history of abuse lurking behind it. I imagine that if a stranger overheard the things John said to me that I knew were meant as a threat, they might think that it was innocent.... that I was overreacting... and that is what … Continue reading John’s Character
Emotional Blackmail
Even though the children weren't aware that we were in the process of a divorce, they were beginning to react to the dynamic in the house. John continued to say things to them when I wasn't around that confused them, upset them and alluded to the fact that there was something "bad" looming in the … Continue reading Emotional Blackmail
Court Appointed Parenting Class
As part of the divorce process in Connecticut you are required to attend a court appointed parenting class if there are children involved. It is a day long event in which a room is filled with emotional people ... some who are heart broken.... some who are furious... all who do not want to be … Continue reading Court Appointed Parenting Class
Mind Games and Manipulation
John was a very smart man. He knew that he had barely participated in parenting the children up until this point. He also knew that would hurt his claim that he should get the children half of the time. I'm honestly not sure why he wanted to have the children half the time. He … Continue reading Mind Games and Manipulation
Family Relations
Somewhere, deep down, I had thought that once I had the courage to serve John that everything would start getting better. I would see the light at the end of the tunnel and I would feel as if I was working towards a better life. And then I was introduced to the court system. What … Continue reading Family Relations
An Unstable Man
Things really stared heating up after John was served. I started keeping a journal of everything that was happening at home in the hopes that a judge would someday look at it and see that it was dangerous for the children to have time alone with John. John became even more short and rough with … Continue reading An Unstable Man
