View Full Version : Happy News


phischeyeat
04-16-03, 01:08 AM
It has been a while since I posted, there has really been a major turn of events in my life in the last 10 days. This will probably be a long post, but I wanted to share this with my forum friends. I have previously posted that I have been separated from my wife and soon to be divorced. This was going to be my second divorce and that both of my 'ex's' are still my very best friends. Since friendship is such a core to a strong relationship, it confused and pained me that another marriage was on the rocks. My wife and I have been regularly getting together for breakfast or brunch to catch up what is going on in our lives. A couple of months ago it was apparent that we had re-connected on the close friendship that we always had, even before we had become a couple. I was happy that we were able to keep this bond between us.

During the 9 months of the separation I addressed my ADD and the General Anxiety and depression that had built up over all the years. Learning about ADD, starting medication and recognizing the aspects of my behavior directly related to ADD (and they are far from all negative, I recognize that some special qualities come sith this too) has allowed me to grow. I can truly say that for the first time in my life I am content with myself. My wife observed this transition over the months and she was also going through some important transitions herself.

Over the last couple of weeks it was very evident that the connection that brought us together was still there, I felt that it was stronger than ever. I asked myself when was I happiest and the answer is when I am with Tammy and we are sharing all the little things that happened during the prior week. It was bittersweet, because after breakfast I would drive her back to the house and head on back to my apartment. However, I could not mention this, she had asked for the divorce and I did not want to lose our friendship by chasing her away. (Actually this in itself was a huge stride in dealing with my ADD, to not impatiently blurt all this out!)

Well, one day we were chatting on line and I was telling her a story about my boys (she is their step mom. and was a very nurturing loving person in their lives. The boys mom, always referred to her as their other mom.) She said she knew what I meant, that she missed her family very much. She asked if I was still sure I wanted to go ahead with the divorce. I said , no I am not sure at all, I have not been sure for a long time.

So, we are rebuilding, we have been very frank about all the things that put us in such an awful place last summer. We don't ever want to go there again. She is going with me to my next appointment with my doc to learn about ADD which I appreciate very much.

This all came out of our striving to keep our friendship. Reconciliation was not a 'goal' that we were trying to achieve. We just realized one day that we truly have something worth saving. So we are back together, the boys came to the house this weekend and flew into Tammy's arms, happy tears and hugs for all. As my oldest son said at the dinner table that night, the equilibrium has been restored.

Joanrdtobe
04-16-03, 01:31 AM
Phil -- I think you and I have exchanged a few words on previous forums posts and so I will offer a few more here!.....WOW....that's one heck of a story....congratulations on the reconciliation that was not about how you were going to make it all work out but how the universe and God naturally had it work out...a couple of thoughts....1) I think it is "cool" how you did not allow your ADD to take over and blurt out to your wife how you felt...i.e. you waited for her to make the first move, if you will...until the time she said are you sure you still want the divorce.....2) I think it is cool that she is willing to join you at your doctor's appointment -- that is a true sign of partnership and willingness on her part to totally understand your illness and be part of your recovery process....Congratulations Phil...wonderful story...and your quote incidentally..."The issue is to have the heart.....to new levels of well-being." really describes this latest news, does it not???

phischeyeat
04-16-03, 01:47 AM
Thank you so much Joan for your insightful response. I found tht quote soon after I started treatment for my ADD, shortly after Tam and I had separated. It has become my mantra.

Spirit
04-16-03, 01:50 AM
Phil,

I'm so very Happy for you..Huggz My Friend. I wish you and yours all the luck and love in the world.

Good Luck and Blessed Be, for it looks like you are on the right track.

Congrats on a job well done. :)

Huggz

Lafnalot
04-16-03, 07:07 AM
Phil...I don't know what to say. How incredible and good. Some days you just pray for people, wishing and hoping wonderful things for them. Then along comes something so gentle nad great all at once. It's awesome, humbling and Im grateful you allowed us into your life.

mark
04-17-03, 12:55 AM
Wow, Phil, congratulations of the highest order. And thanks for sharing it. I too am going through a divorce, and your story gives me inspiration. My wife came back to me after a one year seperation and we began to reconcile. It only lasted 3 months and she has changed her mind. Dont know what I did wrong, if anything. My ADD psych was helping us with marriage counseling and he didnt see anything wrong, in fact, just the opposite. So I guess you know what I'm getting to. Take it sloooow and steady. And dont forget to pray, alot.

Andrew
04-17-03, 11:38 PM
Hey Phil...

Sounds like things are really starting to work out for you! Just goes to show that with patient determination, anything is possible...even for an ADDer!!

Congrats and wishing you continued successes and happiness!!!!

phischeyeat
04-18-03, 11:54 AM
Thank you all for your kind words. The compassion and openess of the folks who make up this group has had a lot to do with my growth and understanding. I hope to see you all during the sheduled chats!!!

joanrdtobe
05-20-03, 11:45 PM
Listen, Phil, if you get on forums today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY......we are remembering you on your special day....hope all is going well with you and your wife, etc.....:)

phischeyeat
05-21-03, 10:42 PM
Thanks Joan, I appreciate your kind words very much!! Everything is going very well on the home front, we each understand each other so much better now. Tam even recognizes my ADD moments for what they are !!! work has been hectic, but it should be slowing down shortly, just in time for summer fun!!