WHEN THE SHOCK CAME

It started with my name, then, “ I need to talk to you.”

The next words spoken shattered my safe world in an instant.

My husband wanted to leave me and the children.

“Why?” A small word with a big impact, exploded from me.

My mind raced. What had I done?.

Had I suddenly become a bad wife?

He expressed his reasons, but I could not retain them.

My mind turned  in another direction.

How could I manage, everything and my innocent children.

What would they say about a dad they loved so much?

Yet who could not love them enough to stay.

My tears started to flow. Had he ever loved us?

Why did I not know? When did his feelings change?

Why did he not say? Before he became attached and embedded with another woman.

He is adamant he is leaving! I know that stance too well.

Whatever am I to do? What do I say to the children? How do I stand financially? Am I such a terrible woman?

Thoughts ran to and fro, as my questions to him became relentless.

He called a halt, said he would be in touch, he had to go.

That is how my marriage ended.

How I questioned myself. What did I do that was so wrong?

Did I spend too much time with the children, and the job I took to help with expenses, did he feel he was neglected?

He never said. I loved him so much, we were, I thought sexually loving in bed.

When I explained to the children daddy would not be living with us any more, the effect this would have on the rest of their lives,, started and would be never ending.

We huddled together and cried. “But why Mum does he not love us?”

I replied, “Yes he does and he will see you regularly, he promised.”

My heart gave a tump as the man I once knew, would have done so.

Over the days, how my heart and body ached, and tears wet my pillow at night, as I started to take responsibility for all I held dear.

Bit by bit, my resolve grew. I was a good woman and mother.

I knew there would be hard times, but I would make it, with love, laughter and fun, shared with my children, to better times, past this painful marriage conclusion.

I may no longer be a wife, but I will continue to be, as I always have been the loving, caring mother of my children.

2025 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen