Returning From My Self-imposed, Post-Divorce Social Exile

Father's day is coming up, and my boys can't stop talking about our planned zoo trip this weekend to celebrate. Maybe I shouldn't have told them so soon.

They also miss their mother and their grandfather (my ex's dad), who they call Papa. He has been sick. They are pretty close to their Papa and love him a lot. They will see him this weekend too. I'm glad for them.

We have a bed time routine. I did not fully comprehend how important and meaningful it is to them. I skipped on the bedtime prayer for one of my boys. Unintentionally of course. He let me know and how much he wanted... needed...to hear the comforting words. It warmed my heart. I love and rely on our bedtime routine too.

I am also stepping into a larger social world of parenting. It's good for my boys... and me.

In ways,  I shut down socially after the separation. I was able to sort of hide behind the shame and grief of divorce. I was also able to hide behind my boys. I could focus solely on them and my work.

But they are more social creatures now. They need me to guide them through the intricacies of being part of a community. And I have sulked long enough.