Divorce is hard enough as it is. And for the child stuck in the middle, it's even harder. Parents playing tug of war and using the poor kid as a pawn in the game of thrones happens because both parents figure they know their child best. Each parent thinks they can do better than the other, and I'll be the first to admit that I feel I can do better than Dayton's dad. And Dayton's dad thinks he can do better than I can. Our so called 'mutual friends' are making things worse for Dayton's dad, 'spying' on me on Autism Diva Help and on facebook... So here we are, with Dayton stuck in the middle.
Seeing my son go through pain is the hardest thing I think I've ever gone through. Especially when everything is out of my hands and I can't help control it (no, I'm not a control freak... will explain in a bit).
Dentist appointments and child psychologist appointments done separately just doesn't work. One of the parents needs to stay in charge of these medical issues, it should not be another thing to argue about. The parent who primarily was in charge in the past should continue to remain in charge, because that is what's best for the child. The parent who wasn't involved in past has every right to be involved, but should never just take the rains and go their own way because they feel they have "the right" to do this.
But that's a pipe dream. In reality... Well... Oy vey...
Dayton's dad made a decision to take Dayton to the dentist, which I agreed should happen, as long as Dayton went to Children's Dental World which is known to have had good results with children on the autism spectrum. Instead, Glen made an appointment for Dayton at a location of his choice, then cancelled the appointment because I was coming as I promised Dayton that both daddy and I would be there to support him. Then when I was done arguing with Glen and text him that he should keep the dental appointment for Dayton as Dayton needed the appointment more than he needed mommy there, Glen re-schedules and then says I'm welcome to come?! Oy vey...
Long story short, Glen tries to hush me as I explain to the receptionist that Dayton has high functioning autism and oral sensory issues... No surprise to me, the dentist is not able to do much due to Dayton's sensory issues, including gag reflex. His back molars may have cavities in them as Dayton's not able to brush the very back of his mouth. Sooooo... the dentist refers Dayton to Children's Dental World... I know...
While this experience infuriated me, as Dayton had to go through discomfort for no reason other than his father's "right" to take him to a dentist, some good did come out of this. I think his dad sees that I'm not trying to be a control freak. I think he's starting to see that I am not looking at our son as a pawn in our life, and that while yes, I am a protective mother (my motto: A mother would kill for her child, die for her child and forgive for her child... I would do all three at the same time for my son's safety, health and happiness), I'm really not the pathetic, clingy ex-wife he's made me out to be. I think he finally understands that I don't want him back in my life, and that what I really want is what's best for my baby. While he may hate me, I think he finally sees that I do know what Dayton's limitations are and what he really needs... At least that's what I'm choosing to walk away with this weekend.
Oh, and I've learned facebook is the devil. It appears our mutual friends are adding fuel to the fire by sharing what I have to say on facebook with Dayton's dad. For example:
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| My Divorce Party Cake |
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
