Wow, what a day! The attorney fees still aren't done, ex decided he didn't need to produce an income and expense statement. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

I am officially single single again, and it feels good. I didn't get a full 100 yard stay away order, but the judge wrote the language in there that if ex shows up on my property he is in violation of many orders. We had to do an alternate pick on the remaining items ex decided he thought were community property, so he got the vacuum, the lawn mower, a bookcase, the entertainment center, and a filter for the aquarium.

Anyway, he decided he had to shake my hand again when it was done... what a joke, I slapped my hand into his, shook it once, and then turned away and laughed. He showed up at my neighbors directly behind and directly across tonight, it was weird, my daughter was walking out the door as he walked in. Very uncomfortable, we just didn't say one word to each other.

How else does one act around a man who was once the flame you circled around, who you found out was abusive (to not only yourself, but your children) and you know spent 2.5 years trying to destroy you?

It has been a very long road... I hope to be able to sleep again a full night without doubts and fears and questions eating at me. I hope my children can begin healing and grow away from the past. It is a relief!

Lori <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

(((((((Lori)))))))

I too, remember that day well. Time to slam this chapter shut and move to the next. My the good Lord be with you and your children. Providing His wing for comfort in times of tribulation and may He look to the earth and smile on your family for the rest of the days.

Enjoy the peace!
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> I hope my children can begin healing and grow away from the past. It is a relief!
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">See if there is a local Rainbows group in your area for the children. It's a great resource, and get them professional help if they need it.

Wow,
What a journey we have been on. Best wishes for a wonderful future for you and the kids. Our lives can't help but go up from here. Pat

{{{{lori}}}}
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">How else does one act around a man who was once the flame you circled around, who you found out was abusive (to not only yourself, but your children) and you know spent 2.5 years trying to destroy you? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I know how that feels and know you must be feeling a lot of relief right now. Take care. Good luck to both you and your children.

Thanks all! A quick update...

That first night I thought I would sleep well, but all I did was think about what I should have said and didn't.

The next few days have been steadily better, just sort of emotionally drained, but when I sleep, it is very sound!

Kids seem to feel about the same way; we're just slowly beginning to breathe again. I think it will be hard for a bit while ex decides to keep showing up at the neighbors, but expect that to end fairly soon.

I did make one realization the night I spent awake. It was that where ex is now is *because* of me, all the support I did over the years, and where I am now is in spite of him, because all he did was tear me down. I'm not whole yet, but getting there! I think, overall, I am doing much better as I will continue to grow, and he won't.

Anyway, time to go work on my yard. I want to wake up and look out at green growing things with birds flitting about and wind chimes tinkling in the breeze.

Lori <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />