I currently have someone close to me dealing with a husband who consistently disregards anyone else’s feelings and makes life altering decisions on his own and then leaves her to pick up the pieces. His most recent adventure had him leaving town for the weekend to take on a business deal and on day two he decides to call her to say he was just offered a great job and would not be back as planned. How can any one just make that sort of decision without consulting his wife and children? Yes, he has two beautiful kids and they haven’t seen their father in a week, but according to their Mother, “they have spoken on the phone.”
Unfortunately this is not the first time he does this. Actually, he’s been doing it since they met, over 7 years ago. Thanks to Oprah’s:
Lesson 13: When People Show You Who They Are…Believe Them
When we spoke on the phone I wanted to get all the details so I took a soft approach and asked how she was really feeling and gave her all of my support, as I had in the past. However, once we got off the phone and I replayed our conversation in my head, I realized I took too soft an approach and called her back to tell her that although I would again be there to offer my support in helping her deal with this situation, I wanted her to know that I did not agree with what he did. I also reminded her that this was not the first time he had done something like this and asked her if she too remembered that. Immediately, I noticed she shut down, which I guess is what kept me from taking this approach the first time we spoke, but I told her I could tell she was shutting down, but I didn’t want her to. I just couldn’t let the opportunity pass without verbally letting her know I thought this was wrong and she should at some point think it’s wrong too and believe in her worth and that of her children to demand more from him. She stated she understood, but that is all she would offer. Hopefully my need to share my feelings won’t keep her from honestly sharing her unfolding family drama with me, but I guess only time will tell.
Last year’s was a blast, despite some family drama during the planning process; but what family event ever goes down without drama? It was an all day event, in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas – which means it was HOT (It’s Texas, what more can I say?). We had breakfast, followed by lunch and games and ended with dinner and my family getting up on stage and taking turns showcasing their singing talents. A good time was had by all.
