Good personal news

[Russell Kanning]

I received a call from my ex-wife in California today. I have not heard from her in 2 years. She told me that my 3 kids have been getting my postcards and that I may be able to start calling them again.

[Insurgent]

Applause!

[error]

Wonderful news!

[NC2NH]

[Pat K]

 

[Lloyd Danforth]

Great!

[Russell Kanning]

My oldest (17) was planning on going into rotc but changed his mind in the last year .... so that is a relief. The picture of him walking down a street in Iraq trying to decide who to shoot was disconcerting.

[KBCraig]

Congratulations, Russell!

You don't air your personal business, although many of us know you had a life before NH, and there's quite a divide between the two. As someone who also has a before/after life, I do understand the pain and heartbreak of being separated from your children.

Despite the difficult history with their mother, I do stay in contact with my two sons from that marriage. I'm very proud of my oldest; you can see why by his comment ("AndyThePug")at my blog:
http://cs.newhampshire.com/blogs/homeward_bound/archive/2007/03/02/Unintended-Consequences.aspx

His moniker is curious. He has two pugs, but he's most un-puglike himself, being 6' tall and 140 pounds.

He's the offspring voted most likely to join us (by choice) in New Hampshire. 

But anyway... I'm glad to hear you're connecting with your kids. Separation is a mo-fo. Been there. Done that. Ripped my t-shirt, tore my hair, gnashed my teeth, all that.

Kevin

[Russell Kanning]

I was crazy before I came to NH.
But my big change came after my ex kicked me out of my house, divorced me, kept me away from my kids mostly. I have had to reevaluate what I "deserve" or what things I have a "right" to.
I have been on an extended midlife crises since 2000. In some ways I have returned to my life as a class clown goof off childhood. I don't think I should ever go back. The feds will just have to kill me. I am not going back inside the cage.

[cathleeninnh]

Almost everyone (besides the youngsters) I meet has before and after lives. We don't talk about it much, probably because it is painful. I know that I am a better person now than I was before. I also had a recent whiff of the past. My daughter(32) has been estranged from her father since age 17. I was surprised to learn that she invited him to her husband's graduation from law school. I'm glad she can now reach out to him (the scumbag), but not surprised that he turned her down.

I guess it is just a sign of the times. Too bad that it sometimes takes painful experiences to get to where you like yourself.

I am very happy for you Russell. I'm crossing fingers for your renewed relationship with your children.

Cathleen

[Kat Kanning]

His ex said Russell's daughter was so sad when she saw a photo of the three of us, happy, like Russell's just didn't want her.  When all this time he hasn't been allowed to see her or speak to her.  Just about broke my heart to hear the photo made her sad.

[Tom Sawyer]

Good news indeed... I'm happy for you and your kids.

My parents had an awful divorce... their case is studied in law school I understand.

My distrust of the "judicial system" stems from my treatment in family court.

Not having a father in your life is tough... hey just look at the way I turned out.

[Lloyd Danforth]

His ex said Russell's daughter was so sad when she saw a photo of the three of us, happy, like Russell's just didn't want her.  When all this time he hasn't been allowed to see her or speak to her.  Just about broke my heart to hear the photo made her sad.

Kids are always victims in family separations.  They shouldn't be used as pawns.

[eques]

Three cheers, Russell, for this event in your life. 

My parents ended up getting divorced when I was, what, 10?  I can't remember.  I've asked, been told the answer, and I still can't remember.

I don't know if there is much of a "before"... my entire life seems like an "after"... heh.  One might even say, defined by it.

Sometimes kids "know" things... but it's all too easy for them to misunderstand, especially when communication is already something one or both parents struggle with... actions (perceived or otherwise) speak so much louder than words.

So, again, three cheers, Russell, for this event in your life. 

[Russell Kanning]

My parents had an awful divorce... their case is studied in law school I understand.
My distrust of the "judicial system" stems from my treatment in family court.
Not having a father in your life is tough... hey just look at the way I turned out.

Having seen the results of your upbringing ... we need to study this and make sure this never happens again.

One of the 1st times I stopped listening to the government was to ignore all the divorce/custody court appearances and decisions. I wouldn't fight her in court or obey their rulings.