It's gut spilling time.
It seems silly at this point that Jer and I have been so hush hush about our personal lives. I mean it wasn't silly for a long time, but now, pretty much everyone knows, it's kind of a widely known secret, so why not make it public?
Jer and I have been seperated since the beginning of this year. I won't go into any details as to why, nor will I point fingers or place blame. I will always have a great deal of love and respect for him, he truly is one of the greatest human beings that I know. Both of us have been in a lot of therapy to help us get through this time, it hasn't been easy for either of us. Now you know the gist of my therapy posts.
Now to answer some FAQ's:
Divorce paperwork has not been filed yet. We want to come to a friendly agreement on the terms, to avoid mediation or a nasty court situation. We have been waiting for each of us to become stable enough to work through this amicably.
We sold our house, and have each moved into our own places. We have been doing a 50/50 custody arrangement with our girls. So far it is working, but we're always open to re-evaluation.
Speaking of the girls, they are fine. They are young enough that this won't cause huge trauma for them. They don't like it, but they're dealing with it in very healthy ways. They have a lot of love from each of us, as well as both sides of our families. They're getting plenty of support and have not been neglected in the slightest. I'm actually amazed at how well our families have pulled together in not only supporting us during these difficult times, but making the girls the #1 priority.
I have a kick ass family, and kick ass friends. I've had to lean on them A LOT during this time, and have been amazed at the show of support that I've had. Family and friends don't love this decision, but they love each of us as individuals. At the beginning of this I was afraid that I would lose frienships in the process, but my friends have only made their friendship more prevalent. And my family has only been more loving and supportive. I'm very lucky, I couldn't have made it through these times without them.
We have both dated other people since seperating. Neither of us had an affair.
I blame much of this on the mind fuck and mental rape I had from the church. Jer and I actually had an intense conversation about this, just this morning. I plan on blogging more about that as time goes on.
I'm still on somewhat of a hiatus, but I needed to get this out.
As the PR reps would say, Jer and I will appreciate our privacy at this time, but still need and want the friendship and support of friends, both cyberly and in real life. If you have questions, you can ask, but we may not answer. Don't feel like you need to walk on egg shells around us, you don't. Please don't ignore us becuase you feel awkward or don't know what to say. We need you.
And now you know the truth.
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22 comments:
My best wishes for both you and Jer at this time....
I don't know what to say. I am so sorry you guys are going through this. It sounds like you are handling it well. I have to say I am so sad for you guys. This breaks my heart.
Best wishes from me as well. I hope everything works out it a way that you can all be happy, whatever happens.
Sending lots of love your way, Christy. I don't know what to say since nothing I say will make it "better" but I am always here for you.
That's good that you're keeping it amicable (difficult I know, being divorced, no matter how much you want to keep things fair and friendly). It's a difficult step, but sometimes necessary. Hugs and support to you!!!
You've never heard from me before though I've been reading. I hope that you and your family can find the best way forward in a difficult situation.
You owe it to your children to read Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce and The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: The 25 Year Landmark Study. These books can really help you get inside the minds of children of divorce. Even if you have experienced it for yourself, hearing the stories of other people can help in gaining some perspective.
Please forgive me for sounding judgmental (blame it on my Mormon upbringing), but saying “They are young enough that this won't cause huge trauma for them.” is perhaps dangerously wishful thinking.
I wish you all the best.
Christy,
I know from experience that this will SUCK, but you will emerge stronger. Don't be afraid to crawl into a closet and sob, and don't feel awkward about seeking comfort from those around you. You are one tough bitch. When you're ready, call me and I'll start making the margaritas.
I found you though a link on a friend’s bog spot and I just had to respond to this post. Sorry, I don’t know you, but I had to get this out. Why do recovering mormans have to be so anti morman? Why can't you just move on with your life? Why do you all feel it so necessary to re-hash all the morman bullshit? Why do you give the Morman Church that much power? It baffles the mind - I am a previous morman myself and I would never even think about letting the morman church live in my head! Good luck to you and yours, I do wish the best for you. Just so you know, it NEVER, EVER and I mean EVER is a good or appropriate time in a child’s life for their parents to divorce. Even though I think the older they are the better, and there are plenty of studies to prove this. Do you hope you will find someone new to sweep you off your feet, someone who will love your kids as much as you? Someone who will let you parent them the way you choose? Is it the hope of finding something "better" out there? Because, usually there isn’t! Divorce is really a self centered and selfish thing, and it is all about the adults, they are the ones who choose to bring kids into this world and then throw them in front of a bus - unless of course there is any kind of abuse going on in the home, and then it is worth the risks of damage to the child’s sense of a family unit, self esteem and what is important in life. No matter what, it will have a life long lasting affect on them; gee look how long a silly thing like religion has ruled your life. Again this is not to bash you, but to give you something real to think about. Best wishes.
Hmmm... Never met a mormOn who did not know how to spell his own religion. Have met a few asshole trolls in my time though.
Best wishes Christy. You already know we are thinking of both of you.
Anonymous - I don't recall you getting a vote as to what Jer and Christy decide to do with their own lives. I do know them both to be some of the best people to populate the world and I trust that they are doing what is right for them.
As a child of divorce, let's just say that there are far worse things than having one's parents divorce.
Different people have different issues with the culture they grow up with and it isn't your place to tell Christy how to handle hers. Again, she is a big girl and is allowed to make up her own mind about the role the Mormon church has played in her life and whether it has been helpful or hurtful.
This is not an easy time for her or Jeremy or the girls and people like you keep people like Christy from connecting with her friends in ways she may need during this difficult time.
Christy - I am sorry to vent all over your comment section but Anon above really pissed me off. Feel free to delete if you need to.
Christy
I love both of you. Nothing changes the gratitude I have for the friendship and kindness you have both showed me -- such a minimal contact with you has had a surprising impact on me-- that's how cool both of you are.
Best wishes for the both of you,
- Phoebes
You and Jer are excellent people, and I wish you both the best. I hope I'm not being to presumptuous in speaking for other people, but I hope you both know you've got peeps out here whenever you need us.
That Anon above is not a good person. Boo, hiss!
Christy- Wow. I had no idea, and I am so sorry. Even when separating is better for everyone involved, it still hurts to do it! It sounds like you've got your heads on straight and are working through this the best possible way. Virtual hugs coming your way! We're here for you, girl.
And what an asshole anon was! Who the hell goes looking around for people who are going through hard time and tell them how stupid they are? Ew. You are not stupid or selfish or anything else implied yb or stated by anon, Christy, and you are perfectly justified in feeling like Mormonism gave you a serious mind fuck.
What is it with really mean people writing mean things on people's blogs when they post about difficulties within their marriage?!
Christy, I wish there was someway I could help. I am really sorry to hear about the tough times you and Jer are having and am glad to hear that you two are able to work together on this. Hugs, kisses, and lots of love coming your way from the west coast.
Hi Christy-
sending lots of love your way. I'm so sorry that you are both going through this. I wish you all the best.
Hi Christy - you know I love you and Jer, and I'm sorry you're going through the rough times. But I commend you both for the mature and responsible way you're handling things. I believe you, Jer, and your girls, will be fine.
I'm sorry trolls do seem to pop up for these occasions, but it's good to leave it there, as it nicely underscores the points you made in your blog post.
Hugs to you.
Christy,
I only know you thru your blog, but you seem like a sensible person. Your kids will be fine as long as you and Jer stay friends and your kids have easy access to both of you. Life is too frickin short to spend it in a situation that makes you miserable. Only you and Jer know what's right for the 2 of you. Don't listen to any fly by posters that know NOTHING of your situation.
Take Care.
We are here to support you.
Bishop Rick
(Blogger is not letting me post normally)
Everyone,
THANK YOU for your support. Please know that neither of us want anyone to pick sides in this case. We both want your friendship, and don't want to create awkward situations for you. I know this news was shocking for some of you, and I'm sorry for that.
As far as the anon poster, (as I roll my eyes) what EVER! I love how my friends jumped to my defense, this proves just how kick-ass my friends are! Nothing more needs to be said. But I will keep the response there just so people can see how absurd the mentality is.
I did want to respond personally to Jonathan Blake- your feedback and response means a lot. I agree, my thinking could be very wishful. I'm basing my opinions just based on friends of mine who have been divorced, the way that the younger kids take it vs. the way that the teens take it. I was meaning that age wise, my girls are probably in a good spot. However, that being said, I will absolutely be monitoring them very closely and getting them professional help if I see it's needed. In the meantime, I will get those books that you mentioned to see what I can do for them, myself. Again, thank you!
Love to all!
Christy
Hey anonymous, shut the fuck up, you don't know anything about the situation.
Regardless of whether she's making a mistake it's her decision and she needs to follow what she thinks is right. I respect her decision whether I agree with it or not.
We've both learned volumes about ourselves through this experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Our girls will be fine because both of us love them. There's no magic recipe for successful parenting that works in every situation, other than effort and care.
Thanks everyone for your support for both of us. I'll post a few more thoughts on things shortly.
Jer
Christy and Jer -
I found out what kick-ass friends I have as well when Gluby and I were really close to divorce a few weeks ago. I worried that everyone would see the horrible mistakes I made and blame me. I seriously cried with relief when I realized that people still saw me as a good person, even with those mistakes. They supported both of us and that meant so much to me.
So, anyway, I am here, once again, to say hi, that I care for you both, and that I hope things head in a direction healthy for your whole family.
I know of you both mostly through your blogs and comments. It must be an emotionally intense time for you. I know many young couples are married with kids before they know it and before they have fully grown up really. The "church" seems to have an intensifying effect on that phenomenon. I have never been married, though I have been through some intense breakups from multi-year relationships. It is not fun. Every day is a new opportunity to make a new life. All I can say is I hope each of you comes through this with a better life and more happiness.
Hey, Marie Osmond is getting divorced too. It CAN happen to anyone.
I love you both. I know this is a tough time and I hope everything works out for the best. Sending my apostate good vibes your way.
Hi Christy--hadn't been around for awhile because of your hiatus announcement. I'm coming on (as usual) a little late, but just wanted to add my "apostate good vibes" and let you know how much I love you and Jer and those little desktop girls (I still have their "dramedy" picture in my files!), how sorry I am that you're all going through this and how much I admire the maturity and compassion that you're demonstrating as you navigate some really difficult waters. No matter what, hope the very best for both of you and that I am always one of your "peeps" if you need.
And though he's probably long since gone...yeah, anonymous, shut the fuck up...
Sheesh. >:-(
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