Hi CB:
Reading this thread I was cheering that the jerk wants to go and I was wanting to add nasty names to the list and was relieved/glad that you have what sure seems like a good lawyer and worried that your ex is just trying to skip off and abandon everyone, without paying, and hopeful that there are legal steps that can be taken to help you sell your farm and do what has to be done to secure your financial well-being. Then I felt so happy to hear that your son is doing better and is back home and sad that your daughter is hurt because of being replaced and one thought kept popping into my head.......
these seem like blessings.
If he wants to go away on an adventure.....yipee....because maybe he'll stay away long enough for you to get moved and for everyone to adjust a little. What a blessing!!
Your lawyer knowing the judge so well and being so fatherly toward you....yay! Maybe he can find a way to nail this bum's bum down financially and MAYBE EVEN do something to cut into his visitation of the children, since he seems to think he can just up and leave, at his convenience, and thus is truly....abandoning them!
What a blessing!!
And your son is doing better and is home and oh....what a blessing!!
And your daughter? Maybe it's better she sees the light now, even though it is painful? Maybe it will prevent her from having to feel it in pieces, year after year, time after time.....like a slow, agonizing toothache? Maybe, yanking that tooth out and getting the pain overwith is a blessing in disguise??
You may not be feeling like celebrating but I hope these are indeed blessings that will help you along through this time of change and struggling. You are my heroine CB!! You seem so level headed and wise! And what a wonderful mom too!! What a blessing you are to your children!!
I hope the creep keeps taking rope and financially, legally, and parental-rightly hangs himself!!!

Sela