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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:
hellsbellsmelons · 13/11/2013 16:09

Another update bringing yet another tear to my eye.
You are truly inspiring!
Your son will be so proud of you later in life.
And so glad you are now chasing your own dreams.
As you already know - you can cope with and achieve anything now!
Yeah go spotty

ZombieMojaveWonderer · 13/11/2013 18:38

Glad to hear you are on the way to being sorted. I am shocked that the army didn't help you in any way apart from removals. When I left my ex and we lived abroad the RAF found me a house in the UK and paid for some of my furniture and stuff like that. They were brilliant actually. They even paid for my rent for a few months until my benefits kicked in. I am now married into the forces again and touch wood forever but if I did need to leave at least I know that my kids and I would be looked after.

lunar1 · 13/11/2013 19:38

Really pleased to see another update. It's amazing how much life can change in just a few short months.

skyeskyeskye · 13/11/2013 21:52

Fantastic update Spotty.

All the best for the future for you and DS.

tightfortime · 13/11/2013 23:20

Spotty, I missed your OP somehow and have spent hours reading it all from scratch and having picked my jaw up from the floor, I am in awe of your strength. You are an inspiration to women everywhere on how to get out of a toxic relationship with your sanity and head held high.

Be proud lady, anyone who gets you nursing them in the future is very lucky.

Congrats on your new life, all the luck in the world to you and your son x

Tiredemma · 14/11/2013 20:09

Really pleased to hear things are going well. Let me know when you are applying for nursing course, will help you with application etc x

ammature · 14/11/2013 21:25

So so so happy to read these new updates. Your amazing!

MunchkinsMumof2 · 19/11/2013 20:12

I'm so so happy for you Spotty and your Ds, you are inspirational and I hope you both find true happiness, he is a lucky boy to have such a strong Mum.

KeatsiePie · 24/11/2013 05:47

Spotty I'm sorry, I haven't been on your thread for a long time, I lost it from my threads somehow. I know I'm late now but just wanted to say congratulations!! I'm so happy for you and so impressed by everything you've done.

And I'm so sorry you miss your horse, but it was so nice to read that at least you know she has a happy life. I hope you're keeping warm and will have lovely holidays Smile

ItsBiggerOnTheInside · 29/11/2013 20:35

Lovely to see the update. Have a fantastic Christmas x

CakeExpectations · 30/11/2013 07:48

Oh gosh, have only just seen your update. I've been thinking about you, and it's lovely to hear that things are on the up.

Can I be the first to wish you both a wonderful Christmas with your family, and here's to a better future - thanks to your courage and determination.

Well done! (And your exH really is an arse of the highest order)

BuzzardBird · 30/11/2013 08:47

Wow, spotty, you are amazing Thanks

BeCoolSodaPop · 30/11/2013 22:21

Thank you for coming back to update this thread. It is nice to know that you are housed and settled and have plans.

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