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DH committed suicide, body found 10 days later part 2

348 replies

MamaTeeTee · 03/02/2016 09:12

The support I had on the last thread was amazing so thought Id continue it.

For anyone catching up, my DH died between christmas and new year. He had been struggling with depression and a cocaine and steroid addiction. His behaviour in the last 6 months got totally out of control. He was drink driving, disappearing for days, sneaking out in the middle of the night. We hAd two weeks apart at the beginning of December during which time he lived with a friend. He insisted he was clean during these 2 weeks but I later found out he wasn't. He moved back home for 2 weeks but christmas was a disaster and he told me on xmas eve (whilst he was drunk and high) that I was his trigger that made him do these silly things and he wanted to leave.
He went to stay with his mum on December 28th although we were still very much a family. He came to the family home for tea after work, we took the kids out togetehr, then he went to sleep at his mums. I thought I was giving him family life without the pressure.
On Tuesday 29th December I picked DH up after work and we went home and played playdoh with the kids for an hour. I took him to the shops to get a couple of bits he needed and then dropped him to his mums as me and DC were going to my dads for an hour. I called DH on my way home to see if he wanted to see the kids before they went to bed but he said he was busy. He came to the house at 10pm as I had made his food for work for the following day and we had a cuddle on the sofa. At 10.30pm when he was back at his mums he text me "is this the way it's going to be from now on?" And I replied "I think so, until you sort yourself out". The texts went on and he explained that he was sorry for putting us through this and how much he loved me. I said I loved him too but I couldn't understand how we had got here and that he seemed to be so much happier being away from us. He text me at 11pm saying "I love you, I love my parents and I love our babies but you're all better off without me xxxxxxxx". And that was the last anyone heard from him.
He has sent me that same text I don't know how many times over the years. I usually get a text half an hour later saying "I'm being a tit, ignore me".
I didn't get another text this time. I text him back a few times but thought he was playing games with me so I went to sleep.
I called him in the morning at 8.15am but there was no answer. I thought he was in work so I tried again at 10.15 when he goes on break. It went straight to answer phone. I still hadn't heard from him at 5pm and I was a little worried but assumed he was on a bender. At 11pm the police knocked the door to say his van had been found in the sea.
It took 10 days to recover my beautiful husband's body.
He left behind me and our 2 babies (4&5). I feel as though the world has come crashing down on us. Dd (5) misses him terribly and is struggling massively. She is terrified that I am going to die and her behaviour is just awful at the moment. DS (4) is absolutely fine. He talks about his daddy very matter of factly.

To top off an already horrific situation, there is a rumour going around that ive been having an affair with DHs best friend for months. My MiL quite evidently blames me for DHs death. And i now have to deal with the awful situation of getting probate sorted so I can sell our house. And then there's the inquest to deal with.
It's all so so shit.

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MamaTeeTee · 11/05/2016 06:58

They enjoy going there and get excited on Saturday evenings when it's time to go. MIL said that DD gets upset when it's time for bed as she wants to carry on playing and that's why she wants to come home. DD hasn't text in about a month, but I don't know if that's because MIL takes the iPad off her now. I don't know. They're perfectly happy when I pick them up in the morning. DD has formed an attachment to me since DH died and constantly asks for me in school too.

Dd was poorly yesterday. MIL usually has them on Tuesday's from school and I pick them up at 7pm. I told her DD was staying with me but she still wanted DS. When I picked him up there was no mention of the messages between her and A. As far as she knows, I don't know she messaged him.

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MamaTeeTee · 11/05/2016 07:00

But you're right. Contact needs to be scaled down. I'm going to suggest one evening during the week for tea, one saturday for a couple of hours in the mornjng/ afternoon and over night the following saturday. I Think that's more than fair. At the end of the day, this isn't a custody agreement - they're MY children.

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rainbowstardrops · 11/05/2016 07:47

Oh Mama, I've often thought of you and your children and wondered how you were all doing!
You're doing amazingly by the way.
I'd definitely start at least calling the shots with mil otherwise she's walking all over you. You wouldn't be unreasonable to go NC after the things she's said and done but I don't suppose you or the children really want that.
Do call the shots though - they're your children Flowers

MamaTeeTee · 11/05/2016 14:11

Went up the cemetry this morning. A few weeks ago I bought 2 plastic vase things that stick in the ground and had a personalised message on them, one from the kids and one from me. When I went up today, my message has been ripped off. They're stuck on with superglue so it hasn't come off in the rain. I'm so angry it's unbelievable. When is this going to end?! I really don't think I can take anymore.

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AcrossthePond55 · 11/05/2016 14:37

Why on earth would she do that, she would know you'd see it!!!???

If she has this level of 'hidden' fury and hate towards you then I really think you should consider that move AND whether or not it is healthy for the DC to see her. At this point, you just don't know what she may be saying about you or saying to others 'accidentally on purpose' where she knows the DC will overhear.

Wolfiefan · 11/05/2016 14:40

Mama that's awful. I'm so sorry. You are so strong.
Flowers

MamaTeeTee · 11/05/2016 17:06

I'm the type of person that hates confrontation and I'll just take and take and take until I flip and then I'll go in all guns blazing. I'll go from ignoring her to stopping all contact in about 6 seconds. I can feel my tether wearing thin now. It's exhausting

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AcrossthePond55 · 11/05/2016 17:37

I think it's better that you do something now, before you explode. It's best to deal with this when you can calmly say what you are doing, rather than when you're angry and may say things you don't want to. Exploding will only give her more ammunition to hurt you with, iyswim. Unless you feel you can explain how her actions are harmful and then have a meaningful dialogue with her, why put yourself in that mess?

The thing to remember is that you really don't have to give her a reason if you don't want to other than that 'it's not working for me/us'. As a PP mentioned above, she's not an ex-spouse and doesn't have an automatic right to 'XX' amount of time with the children. You can say that school days are 'just too disruptive' (homework, not getting good sleep, being grumpy next morning, whatever) if you want to give a reason for cutting Tuesday out. But remember that pleading school won't help once summer is here.

"MiL, I'm going to have to change the way we've been doing things. I'll be bring the children by at XX o'clock on Saturday and picking them up on XX Saturday evening/Sunday morning".

I'm sure she'll fuss and cry, but they are YOUR children. If she cannot be a positive influence on them, then they shouldn't be around her.

Goingtobeawesome · 11/05/2016 17:45

I'm so sorry for your loss and that of your children. 💐.

It sounds like your MIL thinks the children are more hers because they are her son's and is of the generation where the men are more important.

Please pick your child up every single time she asks and you should know if your MIL is taking her gadget off her. That's her life line to you and your MIL knows it 😡.

Dutchoma · 11/05/2016 18:42

You've really put up with more than you should from mil in the interest of 'keeping the peace' and 'avoiding confrontation'. I'm afraid that you will not be able to 'avoid confontration' for very much longer as she will go on pushing your buttons until you burst. That, as AcrossthePond says, is best avoided as it will only add to her ammunition and also make you feel worse.
Can you work out in your mind what you think is what you realistically want and maybe even write it down and practise saying it in your mind to your mil before you say it? Undoubtedly she will rage and rant and tell you how horrible you are to deny her the comfort of being with her grandchildren but their interest comes first and so does your interest. All this stress is no good for you at all, you have had enough to cope with.

AcrossthePond55 · 11/05/2016 20:19

Can you work out in your mind what you think is what you realistically want and maybe even write it down and practise saying it in your mind to your mil before you say it?

Very smart idea Dutchoma! I've used 'role playing' similar to that with my DH for sticky work situations. You know "You be XX and I'll be me, this is what I'm going to say". It works really well to prepare you.

Since 'Friend A' knows about the situation maybe he could help you 'rehearse'. Or your mum since she knows your MiL.

MamaTeeTee · 11/05/2016 22:29

My sister and mum are going to have a word with Her on Saturday.
At the moment, im so caught up in grief and feeling lost, MIL doesn't seem very important. I feel like im losing my ability to function. This is getting harder by the day. I miss him more and more everyday. I went and sat in our old empty house for an hour earlier and cried and screamed and talked to him. So many happy memories in that house. I was closing my eyes and imagining the sound of his van coming up the drive. That sound was my warning that carnage was about to break loose! As soon as he came home the kids would be high as kites.

I'm not cut out for this. I had a wild moment earlier when I was walking across tesco car park. I could see a car driving up towards me and for a split second I thought "jump and it will all be over". I'd never do it because I would never ever leave my babies. But it frightens me that it crossed my mind

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AcrossthePond55 · 12/05/2016 00:56

Have you considered a grief group or counseling? Your situation is more than just losing a spouse, because of the circumstances. It may help you to have someone outside your family and friends to talk to.

I know you don't believe it, but you will get through this. It'll just take time, lots of time.

Wolfiefan · 12/05/2016 01:08

You have been amazing. You are allowed to scream and shout and cry and think any number of mad things. You have lost the most amazing man.
There are no rules.
Know that these Internet randoms think of you often and wish we could give you a cwtch and take your pain away.
You are amazing. Every moment you don't dissolve with grief shows your strength and love and determination.
Flowers

MamaTeeTee · 12/05/2016 14:53

Work have referred me for counselling and that starts next Wednesday.
I'm feeling a bif better today. Ive been to the gym, been to see a friend, got some housework done and now I'm on my way out to the doctors.
My sister is going to organise contact between MIL and DC from now on so will do all the picking up and dropping off so I don't have to see her. My sister is going to have a polite but firm word with her on Saturday and say this ridiculous behaviour needs to stop. My mum was going to go but I don't think my mum would keep her cool so it's best my sister goes on her own.
Missing him lots today - the sunshine makes it worse. When the weather was like this I used to go and see him in work on my lunch breaks and we would have our lunch together in the sun. He didn't give a toss that his workmates took the mick, he was just grayeful for 20 minutes with me.

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hardheadedwoman · 15/05/2016 15:17

You are doing so well, I hope you manage to get some counselling too

How did it go with your sister at MIL's? Did she accept a change in contact?

Groovee · 03/06/2016 19:42

Thinking off you Mama. Hoping that your MIL has listened to your sister X

MamaTeeTee · 04/06/2016 07:54

The contact arrangement has stayed the same but I'll review it after the summer holidays.
Nothing has really changed with MiL, she is fine to my face but I think she's still asking the kids questions and I feel very anxious around her. I am learning to not give a fuck though. Slowly but surely.
I'm going back to work on Monday and I can't wait! I so need it! My old house has sold so that should go through in the next 10-12 weeks.
Also, ive started seeing someone. It came out of nowhere. I met him while I was out with friends and we got on well and he asked my friend for my number. We've been seeing quite a lot of eachother and Im really fond of him. Initially I felt very guilty, due to my loyalty to DH, but now I'm just enjoying being in good male company again. We have a lot in common and we get on so well. This guy is very understanding of my loyalty to him and is very sensitive to my feelings etc. My friends and mum and sister are very supportive of it.
I'm just worried what others would think.

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Dutchoma · 04/06/2016 12:51

The only people who matter here MamaTeeTee are you and your children. You deserve every happiness that comes your way. I pray God's blessing over you and your family.

Groovee · 04/06/2016 16:14

Sometimes things are meant to be. It may not feel like that at the time but just relax and give yourself a break. He may help you through your grief and be there for ever or sent as a guardian angel. X

MamaTeeTee · 04/06/2016 16:30

Do you know what, Groovee, I think you're right.
This shitty experience has taught me that life is so so short. It can be over in an instant. The children and I deserve to be happy again. I'm 25 and have the rest of my life ahead of me. I want more kids and to marry again and progress my career. And it'll happen if I let it.

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allthemoomins · 05/06/2016 18:11

So pleased to read your update Mama, whatever happens with your new friend, you deserve to be happy and your DH would have wanted you to be happy.

QOD · 05/06/2016 18:18

Wishing you happiness Flowers

MamaTeeTee · 11/06/2016 01:39

Oh dear. Nothing's ever simple.

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HirplesWithHaggis · 11/06/2016 02:01

MIL related, or is New Man not all you hoped/thought he was?