Yesterday was suppose to be divorce day for my parents. My father was all ready to sign and be done with my mother but then she turned around and decided she wasn’t taking enough. She needed more money – a bigger cut of the house, more pension than she was already getting and now some of his deferred comp. Just when we thought everything was good, she throws a big curve ball and makes everything worse. Things were starting to settle down and we were all being cordial. Even me. I know, me talking to my mother some is a big step considering I hadn’t spoke to her since January.
Then she goes and does this. It just pisses me off.
So it seems we are back at the drawing board. I really wish this was done and over. She doesn’t realize what she is doing to the rest of us. I’m the oldest. I feel like I should be taking care of my brother and sister. My brother is dealing horribly with all this and no one can give him the answers he wants because we don’t know what my mother is planning next. My sister is packing up and moving to Pittsburgh for school in a few weeks and she has to leave with all this still going on. I being the big sister, who feels like she is suppose to take care of everyone, can do nothing to fix this. The stress makes me feel like I’m being eaten alive.
Feeling powerless is one of the worst things ever.
44 Comments so far
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I am so sorry.
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By Dutchess of Kickball on 05.20.08 1:20 pm | Permalink
I’m sorry that your parents are involving you and your siblings in all this. You should never be privy to their drama.
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By The Maiden Metallurgist on 05.20.08 1:23 pm | Permalink
Makes you miss stupid kid problems like who gets the last cookie, huh?
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By Ben on 05.20.08 1:24 pm | Permalink
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through all of this. Especially when you thought it was almost over — you steel yourself for the end and then it’s not there yet — that’s so frustrating. I hope things work out soon.
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By Allie on 05.20.08 1:24 pm | Permalink
As the oldest in my family, I understand all too well that feeling of responsibility. Try to remember that you are important too- and need taking care of. Hopefully you have good friends and loved ones to lean on.
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By sizzle on 05.20.08 1:31 pm | Permalink
I am so sorry. I don’t know how you’re even able to write about this. I would be reduced to caveman grunts by this point.
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By Miriam on 05.20.08 1:36 pm | Permalink
I’m sorry that you have to deal with this. I’ll say a prayer for you right now.
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By Angela on 05.20.08 1:41 pm | Permalink
So tough. Wish I could offer comfort or advice, but these situations are the hardest when I have no idea what it’s like to go through. I wish you & your family the best – it seems like you are strong and handling this smoothly, though it may be anything but.
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By jessica maria on 05.20.08 1:42 pm | Permalink
I’m so sorry.
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By sandy on 05.20.08 1:42 pm | Permalink
I’m so sorry you’re going through that. My parents divorced when I was two. I have never even seen them in the same room together. If you ever need to vent, I’m around. Divorce is an ugly thing.
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By What Liz Said on 05.20.08 1:46 pm | Permalink
aw jamie i’m so sorry. i know the pressure of being the oldest, but there is only so much you can do sometimes…
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By katelin on 05.20.08 1:53 pm | Permalink
I’m so sorry. I wish I had the knowledge to know how to fix what’s happening, or the perfect phrase to make it all better, but “I’m sorry” is all I have. I know what it’s like to be the oldest and feel like you have to shelter the younger sibling from what’s really going on in your family, and it’s a hard thing to do. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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By LindzML on 05.20.08 2:02 pm | Permalink
Jamie, hon, I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this. You can’t control your Mom, you aren’t responsible for her, and as for your sibs, they love you, so your comfort and your example are enough. Oh, and I hope you *so* put your Mom back on the silent treatment.
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By verybadcat on 05.20.08 2:23 pm | Permalink
I’m so sorry. It is terrible to be the oldest and feel like you have to take care of younger siblings, and to feel so powerless at the same time.
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By Megan on 05.20.08 2:28 pm | Permalink
Keep your head up and be there for your sister and brother by listening. This too will pass and things will get better.
Trust me!
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By Penelope23 on 05.20.08 2:31 pm | Permalink
I’m sorry
I can’t believe she is being so greedy. I wish she’d realize the pain she’s causing your father, you and your brother and sister. No amount of money is going to be able to wash that away. Karma
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By Jenn on 05.20.08 2:31 pm | Permalink
Hang in there sweetie.
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By Lacey Bean on 05.20.08 2:47 pm | Permalink
Just remember it’s not all on you to have the answers. When you’re all older you’ll better understand things you can’t understand now. I know you’re not young, but I learn something new about my parent’s marraige and divorce all the time. It will be done soon and all will be okay! I hope you feel better.
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By somechick84 on 05.20.08 3:17 pm | Permalink
*hugs*
I’m frustrated for you….why can’t she just be happy with what she was getting and keep everything running smoothly…blah…
yayyy Pittsburgh!…oh sorry you are probably sad she’s going away for a bit…but I love this city….
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By Holy Vataha on 05.20.08 3:25 pm | Permalink
*sigh*
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By Deutlich on 05.20.08 3:34 pm | Permalink
i’m so sorry, honey. i’m here if you need to vent/chat/cry/what have you.
::hugs::
xoxo, b
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By blogging barbie on 05.20.08 6:04 pm | Permalink
Oh babe I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this. It’s not right, or fair. I’m sure you help your siblings as much as you can and that they really appreciate that.
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By B2G on 05.20.08 6:13 pm | Permalink
im so sorry my dear. big e-hugs to you.
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By brookem on 05.20.08 6:41 pm | Permalink
I’m sorry this is happening and being dragged out. Sending positive thoughts your way.
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By Jessica on 05.20.08 6:53 pm | Permalink
Sorry.
And I didn’t realize anyone left other cities to go to a college in Pittsburgh. Don’t get me wrong – love the ‘burgh…but people tend to leave it rather than go to it.
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By Michelle on 05.20.08 7:04 pm | Permalink
Im sorry about what is going on. I know I had to deal with this type of situation before, but I was much younger. Luckily you have siblings there for you and all of you can support each other. Just keep your head high!
By the way, I like your layout, very cute!
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By Shawna on 05.20.08 8:48 pm | Permalink
I have been through this and worse, so I feel your pain. I’d like to say it gets easier, but you just get better at dealing with it. Looks like you have a kadrillion bloggy friends supporting you too, which helps big time! Keep your head up girl!
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By Britt on 05.20.08 9:48 pm | Permalink
I am so sorry…..
Feeling powerless is awful, HUGS. HUGS.
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By Chelsea Talks Smack on 05.20.08 11:02 pm | Permalink
Aw, sorry about that hon. Feeling powerless really is the worst.
*HUG*!
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By Clueless Cat on 05.21.08 1:46 am | Permalink
Hugs to you bebe, hugs to you.
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By Heather on 05.21.08 2:33 am | Permalink
Aw honey, I’m really sorry. I know it’s tough to see your parents and siblings (and yourself!) going through this
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By Valerie on 05.21.08 7:21 am | Permalink
UGH, how frustrating. Just remember that you can’t control everything that happens but you can be in control of your actions and just being there for you siblings will be helpful to them.
Maybe her lawyer is having some kind of influence on her? Bah, I hate to say anything because none of us really know the situation between them.
*hugs*
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By Christie on 05.21.08 8:38 am | Permalink
I cannot even imagine how hard this is for you. I am so sorry you’re in such a tough situation. Hugs.
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By Laurel on 05.21.08 8:49 am | Permalink
I’m sorry lady. I wish I knew answers to help you!
Try to keep your head up, there’s so much in store for you & your siblings.
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By L on 05.21.08 11:16 am | Permalink
Jamie:
I swear I could have wrote this 9 years ago when I was only 17 years old and my parents divorced. We had no idea there were issues with the two of them and the next thing I know my dad is moving out and they are separated. Uh, yeah. Shock? My mom and dad didn’t go through what is going on between your parents and the money and stuff, but it was hard for me too since I’m the oldest and felt like I needed to help my siblings and fix things. Trust me, it doesn’t work. Sadly, they are the adults and they are going to have to work it out–even if it kills you to have to stand by and watch. It’s just sad and makes you feel sick.
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By CurlySue on 05.21.08 11:34 am | Permalink
Wow! That sucks that she backed out of the agreement at the last minute. Not on the signing day. Have some mercy. Show some compassion to your family, why don’t she! Sorry dear.
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By girlinterrupted1218 on 05.21.08 1:09 pm | Permalink
Ugh, what a pain. She should just let HERSELF be done with the divorce and sign the papers already. I’m sorry you have to deal with your parents’ drama, and that you don’t have the answers your little brother wants. It must be tough.
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By Angela on 05.21.08 1:13 pm | Permalink
Oh, Jamie. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Parents can be, well, disappointing and heartbreaking people. You’re amazing and don’t deserve to have to put up with this.
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By Monica on 05.21.08 3:57 pm | Permalink
I cannot even conceive what you must be feeling right now. I’d be curled up in a ball under my covers half the time and screaming at my mother half the time if I were you – none of this “not speaking” bidness. Keep your chin up though, and muddle through even if you can’t bound and leap gracefully
)
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By Rebekah on 05.21.08 5:08 pm | Permalink
I’m so sorry for what’s going on in your family. I wish I had some wonderful words of wisdom but I don’t exactly have any. Still, I’m thinking of you.
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By Jordyn on 05.21.08 8:32 pm | Permalink
Feeling powerless is awful. Perhaps focus on the ways you *do* have power over the situation? Like how you can make reasonable decisions, you can recognize the problems with your mother’s behavior and try to be present for those you love even if you can’t provide answers. Just the presence of someone we love is meaningful in times like these. Good luck.
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By Vanessa on 05.22.08 12:02 am | Permalink
I’m sorry your family is going through this, I imagine it must be very difficult.
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By Holly on 05.22.08 1:02 am | Permalink
Ah, yes, dealing with the feuding parents is likely one of the most frustrating things a kid can do. I’ve been there, and been dealing with their issues for the last 15 years. The one thing you can look forward to, however, are those patches where they are nice, and they are cordial. They might not come very often, but when they do, it’s like heaven. Good luck, and as another kid from divorced parents, I’m sorry.
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By Jamie on 05.23.08 8:45 am | Permalink
I am so sorry to hear about everything that is going on. I know it is a sucky feeling when you know you can’t do something to help the people you love the most. . . I really hope things work out soon for you and your family.
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By poodlegoose on 05.26.08 11:53 am | Permalink
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