Comment on So you grew up with a dad who didn’t know how to express love? Here’s how it could be affecting you today by Keith.
Dan – I know what you went / are going through. After getting separated / divorced my ex – the mom of my two kids ages 4 and 9 – did everything she could to drive a wedge between me and the two children. I struggled to get my visitation every Wednesday and every other weekend with them. I was punctual and responsible and had routines – all of which she tried and systematically succeeded to destroy. The court system did not even want to talk about it when I filed contempt of court – even though I had Police logs showing the history of her behavior.
When I called and asked to speak to the children my ex would say “no” and hang up, or tell me they were not home when I could hear them in the background. My son turned 14 and skipped visitation and when my daughter turned 13 she suddenly felt Dad was not important. Now they are 19 and 15 and I’ve seen them maybe twice in a year. I text them good morning and / or good night nearly every day and invite them to lunch or dinner nearly every weekend and often send simple “I Miss You / I Love You / Hey let’s talk” type texts. Seldom do I get a response. I send them birthday and holiday and “Thinking of you” cards on a regular basis and haven’t received anything in return. I’ve sent thousands of dollars in child support on time and thousands in school tuition and automobile / driver’s training / sports team / drama school fees. I attended all their events even when they didn’t see me. I was there in the crowd.
So all I can say is……..the stories above from all the children that did not get the attention they should have……. What the hell did I do wrong?
