Waiting

Recently, we were given some disheartening news. It’s been a few months now and we’ve processed some of it. However, it doesn’t necessarily feel real. Which is weird, because well, it’s very much so. Now, I won’t go into all of the details but it involves my ex-husband. Unfortunately, he’ll have to serve out the rest of his probation behind bars in a state jail. Before anyone jumps to conclusions or thinks some unkind thoughts, just know that he’s in this situation for doing the right thing. So, I for one am proud of him.

That being said, it's still a crappy situation. We’re grateful that he’s in a facility about an hour away rather than farther south a good 3+ hours away. For now, his family and I are just waiting to hear when visitations can start so we can take the kids to see him. And that’s probably the most heartbreaking thing out of all of this. While his sentence is on the shorter end, it’s still time that he’s missing out on. It’s time that the kids don’t get to have with him. It’s time that they can’t get back. And that’s rough.

Before this happened we were co-parenting really well. He was in Em’s life more. He was actually exercising his visitations and helping out when he could. He and Corey were amiable. And while his son’s mother and I are not the best of friends, we still get along. It makes things so much easier when you set aside the grown-up issues for your kids. So, it’s safe to say that this will be an adjustment for everyone in some way. But mainly for the kids. Em was already used to spending weekend days with him. And while Em’s brother is still little, which is a positive in a way, she now only sees him about once or twice a month. That’s purely due to our conflicting schedules though - no drama. I’m hoping once school is out we’ll be able to figure out a more consistent plan for the kids to get to see each other. Until then, I just do the best to be open when those opportunities do come up. 

And that’s where we’re at, at the moment. From my understanding, once visitation is open for him, we’re going to try having a set schedule so that he has visits from family/friends each weekend. Em has started writing letters, and so have other relatives. And he’s been added to prayer lists. I’m personally praying that this time goes by fast for everyone. And I believe I can speak for the majority of us when I say that we want nothing more than for him to get his life back together and have all of this behind him. Now, due to privacy reasons, this will be the last time I mention him until he's released. So, if you're of the praying kind, please say a little prayer for him and his family. The kids. They will need them.