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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

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Should he have come home?

588 replies

SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 11:16

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have written this several times and not had the courage to post as I am feeling very down and sensitive but could use some intelligent insight, the sort that I have come to admire on MN.

The situation is that DH is working away abroad, has been for the last 7 weeks and not due to leave for another fortnight. On Wednesday our DS (6mo) fell ill and was referred to hospital from the doctors. He was admitted and fitted with an IV drip for fluids as he was dehydrated from severe D&V which later transpired to be gastroenteritis. Very listless and crying in pain, I was hugely worried about him. I don't live in the UK and have no family around for support. I called the relevant numbers to inform his seniors what was happening and to let DH know too. I received a phonecall to say DH has been informed and is being offered a flight back the next day to be home and support us and to hold out for further information. I did feel bad for interfering with his work commitments but needed support, and also out of respect for him as a parent and thought he should be there with us.

He refused the flight. A friend even offered him his flight and told him he would fly out another date and that DH should be at home with us. He said he "didn't want to" and that he had "things to do". Their main purpose of being out there has now ended and is merely tying up loose ends and preparing to return home. He asked about DS once during his first day in hospital, the second day I heard nothing and had to contact him to inform him of progress. I have now not heard from him since my last contact to him, we have been discharged today as DS is a lot better. DH's last communication with me was to inform me I was being a nag, to leave him alone as he was busy and has since deleted himself from the apps that we kept in contact with and I am unable to get through to his phone when I call. I should mention that where he is has a good nightlife and he has been out several times since getting there, so it appears he is having too good a time to come back and support his family.

AIBU for thinking his main priority should have been to get home to his poorly son and to support me too? I don't know whether I'm sounding whingey and needy. There is a backstory so as not to dripfeed - DH has been at home for just 5 weeks of DS's life as he's been away with work so frequently, but when home he doesn't interact with him unless forced, ignores him during the night (has gotten up once during the night and that's when I literally begged him and he did so with very bad temper) and will leave him in dirty nappies if I'm not there as he "didn't realise he needed changing". He has several younger siblings and has been around babies a lot. He says as I'm on maternity leave, it's my job to do everything associated with looking after a baby and that he shouldn't have to do anything. This includes any housework and cooking as he says that's my role now. When DS was born he had to stay in ICU for 11 days as he didn't breathe for some considerable time after a traumatic 26 hour induced labour (which DH went home for the most part as he was tired) and he visited him 3 times during those 11 days as he "doesn't do hospitals", so it's not as if this uncaring attitude is purely caused by his absence due to work and not bonding properly with DS as it appears he's never cared from day one.

This is something I am prepared to LTB for as it's the last straw really. This is probably the longest AIBU ever typed so if you are still reading, thank you so much for your time.

OP posts:
Ezio · 16/08/2013 20:14

Wow, Spotty, your parents are as shitty as Twunt, damn if i was closer, i'd bloody get you myself.

Mum2Fergus · 16/08/2013 20:26

Jeezy peeps Hmm can the refuge arrange to collect you? What an awful response from them...sending you hugs xx

OctopusPete8 · 16/08/2013 20:30

God you're parents are horribly selfish, I hope u have good mates.

Gruntfuttock · 16/08/2013 20:31

I just don't understand your parents at all. I know how much I would want to help my daughter if she was in the same situation and it just doesn't seem possible that there are parents who can behave so appallingly, heartlessly and selfishly.

SpottyPony · 16/08/2013 20:37

Gruntfuttock I don't understand them either. As I mentioned previously they are big drinkers, starting the second they get in from work and carrying on well into the early hours every single day. Been that way ever since I can remember and made for an unhappy childhood, I suppose that might explain why I was so eager to marry H and elope away to Germany to start a new life. I think the drinking clouds their judgment and they like their little routine of get in from work, drink themselves into oblivion too much for anyone to ruin it.

I am yet to ask any of my friends if they could help me out as I was so floored by my parents' response that I just mutely went ahead and got a rail warrant from welfare so I could get the trains down there. However I will ask first if anyone can help out.

OP posts:
LtEveDallas · 16/08/2013 20:41

Spotty, contact welfare again and ask for them to contact welfare at the closest regiment (or the Home Headquarters of your wankers regiment) to get you transferred from the airport to the Cotswold centre.

Or feck em, and PM me with your details and ill try to arrange it. Serious offer.

catsmother · 16/08/2013 20:41

Delurking to say how much I admire you Spotty - you're definitely doing the right thing. Am so sorry about your parents - they're not thinking about you or their grandson at all, just about themselves. To let you struggle with trains with all you can carry is just appalling - how can they do that ? I wish I lived closer to B'ham - I'd come and collect you no problem (and bring chocolate etc!). Whatever the logistics however - you will get through this. Nothing, absolutely nothing at all could be worse than what you've been through with that indescribable "man" (not) and whatever initial difficulties you have in setting yourself up all over again it will all be worth it in the end, of that I'm sure.

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 16/08/2013 21:13

Flip your parents sound self entitled. If I lived nearby I'd drive you! Unbelievable. What awful behaviour for parents Angry

ChasedByBees · 16/08/2013 21:18

Do ask friends. I'd jump to help a friend in this situation. Your parents response in this is not normal at all.

MissStrawberry · 16/08/2013 21:18

I would be filing your parents away in the people you can't rely on box.

Jengnr · 16/08/2013 21:38

Let your parents stress. Not your problem.

You are doing so well and being so brave in the face of extreme cuntery.

He is a wanker. This is not your fault, it is because he is a wanker. Repeat repeat repeat! Xxx

BrevilleTron · 16/08/2013 21:56

Have PM'd you Spotty

scarletforya · 16/08/2013 22:25

I think your parents are alcoholics and terrified you might see the state of them in the evenings.

I'm also suspicious that your stbhx is on drugs.

For someone who is supposedly desperate to live the single life he spends an incredible amount of time trying to make you jealous! Pathetic twat.

You ignore the pathetic gobshite, you're 25 , you have your whole life ahead of you.

Ledkr · 16/08/2013 22:43

Spotty I'm not too far from brum and often visit friends there so ill let you know next time and we can have a coffee.
Dd is two so we can go somewhere child friendly.

2Retts · 16/08/2013 23:25

De-lurking also to let you know that if there's anything I can do to help you settle in, just let me know. You're doing great and you'll soon find it's a whole lot easier to be a single parent than to carry that kind of dead weight (carried my own for a while and speaking from experience).

Please avail yourself of as much help as is genuinely available to you Spotty...even from relative strangers; it takes a village to raise a child.

CookieDoughKid · 17/08/2013 01:14

Hey Spotty, I live a bit of a distance but have a car and would be glad to help out if I can. Just pm me. What is it with parents who don't offer their help in time of real need? Its just awful. God, if you were my daughter id book a taxi for you straight to my door.

GilmoursPillow · 17/08/2013 06:32

Spotty, did neighbours witness his awful behaviour while he was outside? If so would it be worth asking them to write a small statement saying what they saw and heard, and signing it? It might a) show that those supposed to protect you weren't doing their jobs properly, and b)give more weight to what a cunt he is and how you need help.

Tiredemma · 17/08/2013 07:44

Spotty im in Sutton Coldfield. - If you need a lift anywhere when you arrive then let me know x

DisparateHousewife · 17/08/2013 08:14

Having read all your posts, Spotty, I just had to say how brilliant you are. You are dignified, courageous and you're doing the right thing.
My jaw hits the floor when I read of your twunt of an H and your parents too.
Christ, you have a bright, brilliant future away from the arseholes. I firmly believe you will.

apprenticemum · 17/08/2013 09:53

Spotty, a HUGE pat on the back from me. You are a testement to the wonder that is woman! One thing to keep in mind is the big picture...by taking hold of your destiny, you will be bringing your son up to be the man your H is not and never could be. Your son has a strong mother to be truly proud of. GO GIRL! xx

Distrustinggirlnow · 17/08/2013 10:02

Just caught up Spotty as was off line yesterday. So sorry to read your updates, but love the mucking out Smile nothing like shovelling some shit is there... Wink

I can also pick you up from Birmingham, no problem. Just thought I have a DD in that area too, works at a livery yard.

The sooner you leave that seedy horrible world the better. So sorry that welfare didn't step up. When you're in a different country it will be better. Also change your mobile number too when you get back. Arrange communicate through a solicitor if u can. I'm not sure how these things work really but surely you won't have to speak to him or see him if you don't want to.

Would women's aid here in the uk be able to help at all, given that to all intents and purposes you've had to flee an abusive relationship. Or will the army welfare sort all that..?

Thinking of you. Thanks

BreeWannabe · 17/08/2013 12:27

Spotty, delurking to say you are amazing and you are being so strong-an inspiration to any other women going through anything similar. Keep posting-we are all here for you. You will get through this.
Sending a massive unmumsnetty hug xxxx

SpottyPony · 17/08/2013 13:56

Thank you everyone, especially to the wonderful posters who have offered me a lift to our refuge centre. The kindness of strangers has had me in tears - my own parents won't put themselves out, but people who have never met me before are offering to take time and effort out to help me. Thank you all so much, it is hugely appreciated. My sister and BIL have come to my aid - they return from their holiday 3 days before I arrive and BIL drives a large converted van so there will be ample room for mine and DS's belongings and also seats in the back for us to travel in. My sister emailed me from her holiday to check in on me, and upon me telling her my troubles over how to get to the refuge centre she swore profusely about our useless parents and said she would of course be picking us up. They are even staying at a nearby campsite in their van for the weekend to make sure we settle in okay and to see DS who they haven't seen since I was last over in the UK at Easter.

H had the chance yet again to see DS today at the welfare offices. However half an hour before me and DS were due to be picked up by welfare, I received a phone call to say the welfare officer had been to his room and he had answered the door in last night's clothes, was reeking of booze and could barely stand up so he's missed yet another opportunity to see DS. Welfare aren't even open today as it's the weekend but someone came in specifically to make sure he could see his son and he let everyone down. I have tried my very best to allow him to see DS even though my heart is broken and every time he has messed it up so I'm not going to spoon feed him now; if he's struggling to bother to see him now, I can imagine once we're in the UK we won't see much of him at all, if anything.

Distrustinggirlnow no there's nothing quite like mucking out in the morning is there! Grin especially when my friend's horse is a youngster who circles in his box constantly through boredom if he's in for more than a few hours so his stable was a complete write-off when I mucked out! Had to chuck it all and start again. I have been put in touch with my local womens aid service too; and that's very true that I am effectively fleeing DV so I have been told this may help us to get housed. I don't want to be giving people a sob story and whining to get my own way, but it's just me and DS now, I need to do all I can to get us sorted.

OP posts:
Selks · 17/08/2013 15:43

Glad to hear your latest update. Keep at it and stay strong. Life will come good for you again soon and you will feel a massive sense of freedom and relief once all this is behind you. Wishing you and DS well.

OrangeLily · 17/08/2013 16:04

Oh thank goodness for you sister and her DH!! I would also recommend keeping a diary of everything that's happening incase you find yourself with a custody battle or other problems on your hands later.