The Merge: When the Storms Collided
One conflict ended just as another intensified. What should have been a period of recovery quickly escalated into overlapping crises. Messages turned volatile, threats were made, and familiar accusations resurfaced, almost word for word from situations I had already lived through before.
It was unnerving. Not only because the words were recycled, but because it was clear that attempts at control were no longer aimed solely at me. The ripple effects began touching my children, and that is where the weight of abuse cuts deepest. Watching a child shoulder stress and confusion they never asked for is a wound unlike any other.
The Weight I Carried
Up until that point, I believed I had created a workable rhythm with co-parenting. I provided transportation when there wasn’t a vehicle. I consistently carried healthcare, therapy, activities, and school fees.
I never resented meeting my child’s needs, that is my joy and responsibility. But when a medical crisis arose and a fundraiser raised significant community support, I was stunned to learn that not a single dollar would go toward shared parenting costs. I was still left covering the realities of daily life.
When the Safety Nets Failed
Funds that had been publicly requested for stability and care were instead redirected elsewhere:
Toward personal purchases.
Toward legal costs used against me.
Toward appearances that didn’t reflect the reality I was carrying.
Meanwhile, the financial and emotional load remained on my shoulders. Other parties added to the pressure with threats, twisted narratives, and smear tactics.
The Collision Point
This became the merge, the moment when separate storms collided into one. The conflicts were no longer isolated; the players overlapped, and the board revealed itself to be far larger than I had realized.
It was also the turning point. Not because the pressure lessened, but because my awareness sharpened. The illusion of isolated battles shattered. And that clarity set the stage for the next chapter, when multiple forces, some I once considered allies, aligned in ways I could no longer ignore.
Disclaimer:
This blog reflects my personal experiences and perspectives navigating divorce, custody, and the family court system. It is not intended as legal advice or factual testimony in any ongoing or future proceedings. Names, dates, and details are shared as part of my story. For legal guidance on your own situation, please consult a licensed attorney.
