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| Top Shelf - Straight up |
This is perhaps the most difficult post I've ever had to write. I'm so much better at the funny, snarky bites. But I need to say this without sarcasm or jokes.
Here it is, the unvarnished truth.
Sparky and I are splitting up. Things came to a head back in January and after almost 30 years together, we've decided to divorce. Those of you who know me well know that I am a fiercely private person. I do not wish to air (or have aired by others) my dirty laundry in public. Quite frankly, only the two of us truly know the truth and those of you who've heard stories have only heard one side. There are two sides to every story and the truth generally lies somewhere in the middle.
Out of respect for my son, I'm not going to publish details of our marriage or it's demise here. It's really no one's business but ours. Let's just say that this is the best thing for all of us.
As for me, after the dust settled, I was forced to take a good honest look at my life and admit that I haven't been happy for a very, very long time. The initial feelings of panic and devastation passed quickly and were replaced by a huge sense of relief. Pretending things are perfect takes an enormous amount of energy.
To my friends and family, I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied to you for so many years. I'm sorry I didn't allow myself to trust enough to ask for help. I hope you know that I kept everyone at arm's length not because I didn't trust you - I didn't trust that I was deserving of your love or friendship. I am learning to reach out (baby steps) and have found the support and love of my friends is there - was always there. I was just too afraid to ask. I owe you all (especially you, Laura) my eternal gratitude and love.
To my son, I'm sorry that I couldn't give you the perfect life I so wanted for you. However, every day when I look at you and see the strong, loving, creative and brilliant man you've grown into, I know that despite the fact that your father and I failed each other, we can take pride in the knowledge that we were successful as parents. Despite our faults, we have managed to raise an amazing son.
And that, my friends, is what's going on. We're still in the process of working out all the details (amazing how much stuff and business you accumulate in 28 years) but things are moving along in a relatively civilized manner.
One thing is not negotiable.
I get custody of the Bear.
/snark on
Joni,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog and was drawn to this post. Sorry to hear about your divorce. I went through a divorce earlier this year and I've struggled about whether to write about it (not air the laundry as you said, but focus on how it impacted me as a writer). It was one of the most difficult things anyone can go through. I hope you are able to move on with your life, secure on the fact you made the right decision. Best wishes to you.
Thanks for the kind words, Chris. I really struggled with whether or not to bring it here - I didn't want to depress readers, but I also didn't want to be flip about it. I finally decided that to remain silent would be dishonest.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reaching out. Here's my prediction:
A year from now, we'll toast to our bright futures. :)
Take care of you,
Joni
Joni,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I will toast to that.
Regards,
Chris