Monday, 15 February 2016.
Still Day 57
Just as Anna is entering her building – less annoyed after the fresh air and the jog – her phone rings.
It’s her daughter, beloved Kristiina.
“Hi, sweetheart, how are things over there at dad’s?”
“Oh, mom. I’m so stressed out!” — she sobs.
Poor darling dear!
“What’s up? Good that you called me.”
“I’m just exhausted. Feeling stressed out and a little down.
“There’s way too much school work! Essays. Normal homework. Exams.
“The school days are soooo long. I come home tired, rest for ten minutes and then study until 1 a.m. I can’t take it anymore.” — she laments.
“Not enough sleep, not enough time for hobbies or exercise. Not enough time for my friends… And now the divorce and two homes. I’m feeling upset. Help?”
Eurgh! We stupid adults can’t be happy together and our teens have to suffer the consequences.
Eurgh.
But we tried everything!
“Kristiina, my dear, so sorry you’re feeling that way. I understand. I do! Please, always call me and talk it out. Any time.
“OK, mom.”
“What can I say? Is your father there? Can he help you?
“Kris, you know he and I tried everything, right? At least you know we stayed together for as long as we could? For your sake.”
“Oh, mom! I wish you hadn’t. It was horrible to see some of the fights and have so many family holidays ruined. No. It’s better this way. You deserve better. You both deserve more love in your every day.”
“Oh…” — I feel the same way.
“Yes, I really wish you had divorced earlier…
“It’s just a little overwhelming right now. I’m exhausted.”
“Kris, I’m glad you called me. Do you want to come over tomorrow? We can have a snack together any time, you know that.” — they’ll always be my priority. I’m still raising our teens.
Kristiina promises to come over if she feels the need to.
“Just wanted to talk… It’s good that you and dad accepted my suggestion.”
Recently, she suggested they live two whole weeks at one place before moving to the other parent’s. That way, there’s less packing and moving here and there all the time.
“The new system feels better? You’ve always been wise – we do listen to what you have to say.” — Anna smiles.
“I miss you, you know! But it’s nice you send me pictures and messages on WhatsApp every day. And your prom dance is in four days. Wow. You’re going to look so beautiful! I can’t wait to see you.
“Why don’t we look into you studying a bit slower? In Finland you can go through high school in four years. Please consider it. You’d have more time to sleep and meet friends…”
With Kristiina it’s always like that. We have to tell her: study less, sleep more, go party, live a little, have fun. Sweet girl! So responsible.
Now where were we?
Back to Christian – the Englishman, of course. The other one’s out for good. Gosh.
20:07 Basically it’s free time Sunday and Monday. 😊
21:15 Hi! Good to hear from you. Was just on the phone with my daughter. Maybe I’ll tell you later. Excited to meet you on Sunday. But getting confused with the dates. I guess your work plans keep changing? ☺️ If you want, you can reserve only Sunday and Monday initially. And if we feel we still want to see each other again during that week, then you’ll let me know if any extra time comes up.
21:24 Good evening. 😊 I’m coming to see you Sunday, and free all day Monday and Tuesday morning. If you want to see me… Hope that all makes sense. Sorry for the confusion!!
Still lost.
© 2017 rf
Obs. All names have been changed, and chat messages were published with the match’s kind permission.
Obs. Day 57 was a long, long day.
The Chronicles of a Happy Divorcée 
Not easy with the kids suffering. Six years after our divorce, the scars are still there (and more than you could believe). The long road up to the divorce was very painful for everyone, and in hindsight so utterly unnecessary. I think Kristiina is a very, very wise young woman, and Anna should feel privileged to have such a great dauhter.
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So sorry for everyone’s pain there. From my heart.
Yes, she is indeed and yes I am. Joey is, too.
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