My marriage has ended. The Man finally moved out on Monday, and will now need a new nickname, although I am not supposed to write about him anywhere. It was unexpected, and there was no reason given. It made for a hellish summer. And that’s all I’ll say about that. Now it’s over, and we are looking forward to new habits, ways of being, and opportunities.
It is good (and also sad) that I have experience to fall back on and help carry me through. I’m watching The Boy like a hawk, and have also had him in counseling for other issues this summer, and I think it helps him to have another outlet. There has been much upheaval in his world, both at home and at school, and there is more to come. It’s so hard to be a teenager. And then add autism. And then add people leaving you unexpectedly (your stepdad, band director, favorite assistant principal…). Through all this, he’s been handling everything like a pro. LIKE A PRO. He had one major meltdown this summer. ONE. His transition back to school has been smooth as silk. He amazes me every day, and I am so thankful for him. So thankful.
I am getting back into my writing, and it feels amazing. I’m preparing for NaNoWriMo this November, and have been selected as a Municipal Liaison for my region (which means I help coordinate events and support for others participating in NaNoWriMo). I’m also taking a writing course offered to NaNoWriMo participants through Wesleyan University in Connecticut (online), and it has been an awesome experience and quite validating.
As always, my closest friends, and my incredible parents have been my rock and have seen me through to the other side. Thank you all for being so patient. Onward and Upward, or as my favorite Doctor (#10) from Doctor Who says, “Allons-y!”
The Boy and I at a bowling party hosted by our local Autism Society Chapter this summer
Simple. I Just Do. 
Often, the times leading up to the end is worse than the actual end and often, no-one knows things have been rough until the end. As such, by the time people start telling you how sorry they are, you are already in a sort of state of relief. In any case, I am sorry it came to this. No-one gets married hoping it won’t work out. I know that pain.
And I’m sorry your son is going through all those changes. Having the support of family and friends is great though.
Support comes from some amazing and unexpected corners at times. His real dad has (sort of) stepped up to the plate, and quite happy he’s no longer the bad guy (at least in his own mind).
Well, that’s a crappy way to spend a summer. When do you expect to have a new nickname for the Man? It’s great that the Boy has been rocking all the stuff going on.
Not sure if The Man will make anymore appearances here, as I’m not supposed to mention him. Maybe The Invisible Man?…
IM for short? It’s like speaking in code.
Ha! I like it.
You are an amazing, strong woman who is doing an amazing job with an amazing young son. Look forward, not back. Who knows what doors will open.
🙂