It Was Time

to let go. To give him time to sort out his life. To give him a chance to figure out who he is now without her influence, without mine. To allow all of them to settle into their new lives.

As much as I enjoyed being with TB and as much as I loved the Rentals, his divorce was an ongoing, everyday drama. I didn't have a right to help make those decisions, nor should he give any consideration to anything but himself and the kids for each and every decision he needs to make. He has to move. He needs to downsize. He has a budget to re-work, child care to establish, ongoing tension with his ex-wife. I am a further complication to them all.

And it was a challenge for me in my independent life, to respond to a family that all needs love, reassurance and stability 24/7. They deserve it. They crave it. They need it. But I'm so used to my space, my own time. I haven't been needed like that in years. While flattering and reassuring, I was exhausted. I was drained. I felt their desire to be together all the time and I struggled to balance that with my own needs for personal space.

But I learned a lot. I learned that while I am long since past my marriage, that while I long ago dealt with the issues therein, I was not prepared to deal with a sensitive, passive, permissive man without perceiving him as weak. I had to remember at times that passivity can just be an effort to appease and impress. But it was hard. Maybe it was too hard for me. My passive, kindhearted, sensitive, permissive ex-husband turned out to be gay. It was difficult for me to look at a new situation and expect a different outcome.

I know TB's not happy with my decision. I know he thinks the divorce drama will be over sooner rather than later and that my involvement with the kids was a blessing not a complication. But I've been down that road. I've been in his shoes. I think in six months, in a year, he'll be able to look back and say, "I wasn't ready, I needed time." Or maybe I'll be wrong. Maybe despite all the distractions, challenges and obstacles, despite all the changes, disruptions and discouragement, maybe he's got it all together and is truly ready for a relationship right now. I've been wrong before.

Maybe it's me that needs time to adjust. Maybe I'm just ill-prepared to get involved at this stage in his life. Maybe it just wasn't right for me. In any case, I had a great time this summer getting to know someone new, letting someone get to know me and allowing my heart to open up to littles. I wish The Boy and The Rentals all the best. They will all remain in my prayers. My time spent with each of them was truly a blessing.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I wish you the best also and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay in contact. Who knows, there might be a better time for us in the future. TB
Jennifer said…
Oh Amy. I am so sorry this didn't work out - but maybe the timing was wrong, or maybe you will indeed find your Prince Charming, just waiting for you around the bend :) Who knows - only God, huh?
Anonymous said…
TB sounds like a great guy. I hope that you are indeed wrong, and that sometime you can get back together. But, I guess that everyoe needs time, as well as reassurance after a crisis. I wish you both the best of luck.

The Watcher
Katrina said…
God has a plan for you and a plan for him, and you never know what turns your paths will take in the future. It may be that you will walk along together along some future stretch of road. :) TB sounds like a wonderful guy, and I wish him, and you, all the best!
Mig said…
I think you made the right choice and that you learned something about yourself through the experience.

One door closes and another one opens, right?
SlushTurtle said…
Oh Amy, I was so hoping he was the one. And maybe he is. Mainly, I just want you to be happy!!! And since I'm too lazy to leave more than one comment, good luck on your interviews!
Hillary said…
Hard decisions. :( I'm sad to hear that you have gone your separate ways. You know what's best for you, and itsounds like you've learned a lot. Praying for you!

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