Part of my ongoing divorce includes a custody agreement, which spells out vacation times with my son. Right now it’s spring break at the pre-school, and this year my ex gets JP all to herself (next year he’s MINE!). That means they are going on vacation together, and I’m feeling lonely.
To make matters both better and worse, I’m going to be heading out on my own vacation, a quick tropical escape to Puerto Rico, where my girlfriend has generously agreed to teach me to surf (videos will not be made available to the public). This should be a wonderful trip, but there is a part of me that will only feel worse feeling happy when my son isn’t around.
Many parents, including the the married ones, contend with feelings of guilt surrounding their children, and I don’t claim to be a special case. Just suck in times like this when I can see it coming, spelled out in black and white in a legal document.
Either way, I’m going to be offline for the next week folks. Hope you can do without me.
Theodore – don’t forget out new technology allows for regular contact and if your ex allows it and JP is old enough, you can send HIM those videos of you surfing and at least be there if spirit more of the time. Don’t let the divorce and custody get in the way of “being there” as much as you can.
For sure, when JP is older you’ll have the ability via text, smart phones, Skype, e-mail, and more to “see” him during your non-custodial periods!
Have a GREAT vacation!
Bruce Sallan
“A Dad’s Point-of-View”