Time out

[AnotherDad]

I just wanted you all to know that I expect to be away for a while from the forums because I don't feel I have my personal life in order. My own fight for my daughters has gotten worse, as I've learned that my oldest daughter thinks I am horrible and is expressing her bitterness in several ways that are all unspeakably painful to me. I must get a grip before I attempt to help anybody else with anything. I'm sorry. Thanks for your compassion.

Richard

[pam.in.ny]

Richard,

I am soooooo sorry that you are going through this and do hope that you will
be able to somehow show your oldest daughter how much you love and care
for her. We understand having to take a time out and please, if there is any-
thing whatsoever that we can do to help you out, let of know. We will be there
in a NY minute.

Take care.
Pam

[JonathanR]

Dear Richard,

Sending a little healing prayer your way.

~Jonathan

[SageDad]

I don't know what to say.  I'm sorry to read that.  I've noticed that you haven't been posting much lately.  One of my nightmares is that, in the process of navigating the never-ending judicial appeals and political and beurocratic red-tape, my wife will manage to poison my son's mind against me so that, even when he becomes an adult, I will have no meaningful relationship with him.  I've read too many stories where just that has happened to not know full well that such scenarios are well within the realm of possibility.  I wish you the best of luck in finding a happy resolution to your trials.

[Mom25]

AnotherDad,

I am really sorry to hear (read) this. PAS is sickening in every sense of the word. At times you just have to close your ears for some issues while you navigate through an ocean of sharks, just to get to a safe shore focused on your goal - to exercise the legal and God given right to be with your children.  Do what you need to do, and come back when you are ready. You may find yourself here again in just a few days or weeks. Time heals.

[Diane]

Dear Richard,

Having read your many caring posts on this forum and of the  love you have for your daughters,  I know that you deserve much better.   It is sad that others can influence young people, in a way that contradicts the reality of the past and often separates them from the people who love them the most.

You will be missed here and I hope this respite helps you to find a way to reunite with your daughters and to find peace within yourself.     I hope you will return soon as you will be greatly missed.  Diane

[tstravis]

AD - you have been a great supporter here.. i am sorry to hear about your troubles... i will send good thoughts and prayers your way!

[AnotherDad]

Thanks everybody for your kind words. I learned that on Friday when my stepdaughters were visiting their father, my oldest noticed my camera sitting on a table, and she asked "is that Richard's camera?". He then went against my number 1 mandate, do not lie to the girls about anything, even if it means I cant pass my gifts on to them. He told her it wasn't mine. She wasn't going to let him take her picture with it if it were mine. He asked the girls if they like me going to their games (one of which was a hard hour and 1/2 each way drive on a cold day). She snapped "NO!" w/o explanation. She also asked him, "why would you talk to Richard", like I'm a criminal.

I left some specialty games, a Beatles mono box CD set, a Beatles poster, and a $150 pair of jeans for each girl. The girls didn't know about the jeans, so they kept them and gave their father a big hug, and said "thank you daddy!, we love them". She kept the poster as well since she hadn't seen it before. I have to hide my identity on gifts to them because I'm too horrible to accept gifts from. What has their mother done ?!?!! I'm glad the girls like the jeans, and I'm glad my youngest didn't echo her sister's words. Aside from that, I am beside myself. I was so happy to know the love of a child, and I am unable to absorb that someone can take that away from me while I am still busy being a father.

I won't go on more, but thanks again for your compassion. It is hard for me to back away here, but it is hard to do anything at all. I'm sorry.

AD

[Elizabeth]

Such a sad situation.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

[lovellboys]

Take care and know you are in my thoughts.   One day at a time.......

[phillyone]

Hang in there!!! remember, it can only get better!

[greg4sean]

My friend anyone who has been a part of BSH for a while knows your work and commitment to left behind parents and the kids. At the same time you have been fighting and helping you have been dealing with wanting your daughters back in your life. You need to take all the time you need. I will be praying for you and your daughters.