The emotional and financial stress was unbelievably taxing. I struggled in my job and was unable to have a romantic relationship. I struggled adapting to life as a single parent and not seeing my daughter every day. I had to find additional sources of income to make ends meet. The emotional and financial weight of the court process was wearing me down. I had to rent my apartment and live in my partially finished attic with no kitchen. My ex would tell me one thing one day and do another the next. However, despite this inconsistent pattern of behavior, I was determined to establish a strong co-parenting relationship.
Damon D’Arienzo/@singledadmagic
I was exhausted and I was really angry. My struggles felt unnecessary and unfair. I was screaming on the inside for answers and relief, as I think most parents who go through this do. I cried almost every week to my parents and sometimes it was so intense, the call would connect and I couldn’t even speak. As disheartened as I often was, I leaned on my loved ones and kept on fighting because time is of the essence in your son or daughter’s youth and I didn’t want to sacrifice a single moment. My incredible love for my daughter gave me hope, too.
Damon D’Arienzo/@singledadmagic
