An individual achieved several years of sobriety after confronting childhood trauma and parental neglect. The person is medicated, participates in a sobriety program, and strives to do the next right thing. A marriage ended in divorce after the individual's addiction, leaving a child who was two at the time. The individual has remained a devoted father and co-parents via text, though in-person interactions are tense and the ex avoids eye contact. The ex attended Al-Anon and refused early offers of amends. The individual now considers offering amends again to gain acknowledgment and greater peace while also fearing renewed pain for the ex and disruption to the current status quo.
I can't tell if I'm at a crossroads or an impasse. I've been sober for several years now, and I'm proud of the work I've done. I have a mix of childhood trauma and parental neglect that I never worked through until getting sober. I'm medicated, I work a good sobriety program, and I'm a different person, one who at least tries to do the next right thing.
I know wanting your ex-wife to celebrate your emotional growth may seem deeply selfish and self-centered to some, but I don't see it that way. I genuinely believe you want this acknowledgment from her so you can be more comfortable around your kid and co-parent with a greater sense of peace, knowing that if your ex accepts and forgives you in a meaningful, demonstrative way, it may allow you to become freer and more confident in your parenting choices. That's love-for yourself and your child.
Collection
[
|
...
]