I do not know the situation you have come out of but will you allow me to give you an internet hug ((((aprilflower)))) and say a prayer for you? Comfort, peace and strength come to you in this time of need...Amen.

I'm sorry you've had to move out. It is sad when you finally give up, and I know exactly where your coming from. Deal with all those emotions. Prayers for you and your son.
Leslie

(((((((Aprilflower)))))

Hope you feel better soon.

Linda

It sounds like you did the best thing for you and your son. Remember that things are only going to get better now. You deserve to have a good and peaceful life, and you've made a wise decision.

Prayers & hugs-

Donna (^_^)

Sending more hugs and lots of good thoughts April!!

Sending good thoughts and want to know I am proud of you!

I wish you the BEST!

From me too...as hard as it is.... when it reaches the separation point, usually ....almost always...everyone is better off.

Hugs,April.I wish you the best.You GO GIRL.

Shelley

Sounds like you made the right decision. Each day will be better! Keeping you in my thoughts.

You are going to be so happy that you finally made the big move.

Sending you the best of Luck and lots of thoughts and prayers!

Bless you and your son, Aprilflower. I don't recall knowing about your troubles, but I think I can read between the lines.

I can also tell you showed great strength making this move and my heart goes out to you for the 'loss' of your sweet dog who is a big part of your heart as well. Hope you can take comfort that at least this man does care for your dog.

I wish you all the best in the future. You have my admiration for making this decision.

Granlan Hugs

Wishing you the best.As the saying goes,"children would rather come from broken homes,than to live in one'.
((((((((((((((April)))))))))))) prayers and good thoughts for you and your ds.
Kathi

I'm glad you did the right thing for the sake of your son and yourself. Good thoughts and prayers for you both.

do you have pictures? that can be a comfort...kudos on your move and new beginnings!

Best of luck to you. I don't know your story but can guess. I'm guessing where you are you can't have a dog. I know you miss her. I would too. It's only normal.

I'm so sorry you had to leave your home and precious pup and really admire your courage. I hope everything works out well for you and your son.

Consider yourself warmly hugged.

I hope things go well for you and your son. I give you credit for doing what you know is right. Positive thoughts for you.

I don't know your story, but I can only imagine. Good for you, making the right decision for you and your son. Hope things go well for you both. He is one lucky kid to have you as his mom. Sending you both good thoughts.

I also send my congratulations to you for making such a big life changing decision for you and your son. Is there a chance of getting your beloved dog to come live with you? If not perhaps you'd consider giving a home to a rescue dog who is in transition like you and needs the love you and your son could provide. I know it's not the same as your dog but it could give a positive new start to all of you.
Hugs to you and your son. STAY STRONG!!!
Diane

Good for you. I hope life will be much better for both of you.

Sending the BEST wishes and hopes to you and your son from Oklahoma

Moni

I haven't read of your troubles aprilflower, but let me tell you how glad I am to read that you left a bad situation. Your son is the priority, and keeping him and yourself safe is the best thing you could have done. Bless you for seeing that. Better times are on the horizon. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. NancyLouise

Good for you April! I wish you both the best. Hugs!

Wishing you better days ahead, April.....they will be there.

Phyllis

Congratulations to you for making such a big life changing decision for you and your son. That took a lot of courage. I'm so sorry you had to leave little Penelope behind. I know that's heartbreaking, but if that's the way it has to be, try to take comfort in knowing she is being taken care of. I wish you the best.

Linda

There Comes a Time in Your Life

A time comes in your life when you finally get it... When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter), and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you; and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself; and in the process a sense of newfound confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and that not everyone will always be there for you; and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own, and to take care of yourself; and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers ... and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself and the world around you is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through alt that you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh; what you should wear and where you should shop, and what you should drive; how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living; who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage; the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with; and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing; and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer' looking for your next fix.You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world ... and that you can't teach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say NO.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away.

You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship. You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name.

You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love...and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms ... just to make you happy.

And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the minor and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10, and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK.... And that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want...and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect; and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his/her touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple, and you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise.

You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear.

So you take more time to rest.

And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn, that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve .. and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for, and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time. FEAR itself.

You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it, and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms.

And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve; and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things.

You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal statethe ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you, and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in any of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions ofpeople upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself; and you to make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever, settle for less than your heart's desire.And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand; you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Author Unknown

Good for you April. I know you have tried to keep your family together, things don't always work out. It is for the best for your son and you to get out of that situation. I am sorry you had to leave Penelope behind but at least you know she will be taken good care of. You have to think of you and J. I am proud of you. Best of luck to you in the future. You always know how to reach me if you need to.

((((April))))

April, I am so sorry that it came to this. I do know of the 'root' of the situation that brought you to this point. You did all you possibly could to 'fix' it. Unfortunately, too often it can't be fixed. I know that firsthand. You made the best decision for yourself and your son. Peace of mind will come in time and you can enjoy a stress free life.

April you are doing the right thing. Your job as a mother and parent is to keep your child safe. You have done that and when the dust settles peace will come to your life again. You have my prayers and I know that as time passes good things will come your way. I know how much it must hurt but take comfort in knowing that he will take care of your sweet dog.

Please continue to stay connected with us....we care.

Susan

April,

I've "been there, done that" and it is so very hard.
But I hope you eventually look back and realize that taking this step empowered you to do great things.
Wishing you peace in the days ahead, my friend.

Rita

I don't know your story but I was in a similair situation and beleive me it will get better. It will take time to adjust and you will have lots of tears and wondering if you did the right thing even though you know you did.
Hugs to you.
Lois

I don't know your situation, but, like someone else said, I can read between the lines. You have my best wishes and prayers. You've done the right thing. Stay strong and be happy.

Been there - done that. It does get better. I have been remarried for 26 years and belive me it was the best thing I could ever have done. Sending lots of good thoughts to you and your son.

You sure did take a big step and you should be proud of yourself. Many women choose a life of misery to avoid it.

I can relate about your dogs. I had to leave mine behind too and it hurt even more to give the dog away after he no longer wanted him there.

Hang in there, it won't be entirely easy going forward but you sound like you have it together.

Hugs to you.

((Aprilflower)) You've sure got the good thoughts coming your way. Any chance that you can get your dog?

(((April)) things will get better, trust in that.

Sending lots of hugs, prayers and just all good thoughts! You hang in there.

Trish

You have done the hardest part. Now you can get on with your real life.

Hugs and best wishes

Trin

Hugs Aprilflower.

Sue

Sorry I didn't reply to this sooner. Congratulations, You have done what most women can't because of their fears. They waste precious years of their lives and some permanently scar their kids or the kids grow up thinking is is normal. I read in the Step Family forum and it is so very sad to hear how some of the women live. It must be like an addiction because most can't leave.

(((Aprilflower & J)))

Sending good thoughts for you and your son on this next hopefully more happy chapter in your lives. I am sorry you are missing your dog - I would be crushed also but you made the best decision for both you and your son. Here's to a better future for you both.

Anne

my prayers and hugs to you also. im going through it myself now yet again, i stayed away for a year and like a fool i went back because he was sick and needed me....oh what a mistake that was! good luck to you its hard but as another poster said STAY STRONG, you will love yourself for it. i like country bumpkins essay. youll find confidence and a belief in yourself you never even knew you had and that will in turn help your child also!!