Ex and the City

This blog today is for every parent out there who is divorced. Or on your way to a divorce. This is for every parent who has racked her brain wondering what she could have done differently. For each parent who has to almost physically hold a hand over his mouth so he won't say a harsh word about "the other side." This is for every parent who hopes child support will be on time. This is for every parent who finds himself accepting the blame from a kid who doesn't, and probably will never, know the truth of what really happened. This blog today is for those parents out there, who find themselves on the losing side of a crappy situation and somehow make the best of it.

And speaking from experience, it does get better with time. Well, sometimes. I wasn't going to write the blog today--I have so much prep work in the store to do for the upcoming holidays---but a Facebook post by a friend of mine made me stop, and think, and be thankful. I am a divorced parent, and share custody of the coolest three kids ever. There were, and still are, times when it takes every bit of moral fiber I have not to attack. Or defend myself against an attack. And there was a time when I could only refer to my ex's new girlfriend as "the idiot stick figure with no soul." But talking bad about the other parent is never right. It just hurts the kids.

Oh, I'm sure it would feel good at the time. I'm sure it would feel great to unleash a fire-storm of comments. Kudos to all those parents out there who don't. Kudos to all those parents who find a way to co-exist so the kids can enjoy peace. So, if you are in the middle of the storm, hang on. Gather your friends and your family close, let them know that you may need to blow off steam with them. Keep your faith and your wits about you. You can use my prayer if you'd like: "God, keep one hand on my heart to guide me and one hand over my mouth."