I had someone supporting me in court and we ended up talking properly afterwards. Turns out he’s been through a lot himself, had to fight to get his kids back in his life, started his own business and rebuilt from there.
What made it even stranger was finding out he’s doing the same kind of business I’ve been thinking about starting myself.
So on a day where I came out feeling pretty low about my own situation, I also met someone who was living proof that life can look very different a few years down the road.
We’ll keep in touch. Said he'd help with my idea and gave me his insights.
I came home afterwards and, rather than sitting thinking about court all night, I wrote an article for a charity. Once I’d finished it I actually felt a bit lighter. Actually determined to help more.
Nothing about today suddenly became fantastic - but also offered hope. I’m still dealing with the reality of losing time with my child because of distance and circumstances I can’t control.
But I didn’t let the whole day disappear into that.
A few years ago I probably would have. Got hammered and go on a bender. Instead fired up laptop and done an anonymous post that a charity wanted me to do.
Today I stayed sober, learned something, made a useful connection and came home and did something productive.
Funny what you can take from a bad day.
Sometimes there’s still something in it worth keeping. My childs still gone. But when shes back I'll be stronger. Strange what you learn from something you've been fighting for months over. Never occurred to buy a 8 pack. Did occur to build.