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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:
MissMuesli · 10/08/2013 20:16

What an arse. You and your son deserve so much better. Definitely LTB!

Grumpywino · 10/08/2013 20:26

What kind of a monster is he? Surely there is no rational explanation....I can't understand his behaviour at all...you however sound amazing. My first ever ltb, get out and make a wonderful new life with your boy. And please please keep us updated, though from reading your posts I have every reason to believe things will work out well for you in time.

Gruntfuttock · 10/08/2013 20:32

Wow! So many of us have said LTB for the first time on this thread. Just goes to show that, as bastards go, he really is exceptional.

I want to add my own good wishes to you SpottyPony. I am so sorry that you're going through this. You sound so wonderful, strong and positive and I wish I could give you a big hug after his antics on Facebook this evening have made you cry. Flowers

dreamingbohemian · 10/08/2013 20:34

I like CSI's idea! But even without doing that, they must have a dim view of him at the moment for refusing the flights. What an idiot. I cannot believe how awful he is being to you.

I know it's not much of a silver lining but at least he is being so awful that you can proceed without any doubts or torments about whether you're doing the right thing. Sorry I know it's not much.

waltermittymissus · 10/08/2013 20:40

What a prick.

I'm so glad to read that you're leaving.

Would your parents even let you stay for a week or two? Just to try to sort something out?

I wish I could smack him one for you!

Glad to hear your ds is on the mend. You sound brilliant.

SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 20:52

CSI and dreaming his regiment already see him in a bad light after his behaviour in the past, so this will just add to it all no doubt. He's doing himself no favours.

I am lucky in that I have a lovely friend who is picking me and DS up tomorrow and taking us shopping (I can't drive) where I will be buying obscene amounts of ice cream and other such items to console myself with then instantly regret no doubt her DH has returned from the same location today, and he told her she may need to cheer me up as the last he saw of my DH as he left was him getting into a hired car with a group of friends heading off to the nearest town where they're apparently all staying for the weekend as they have been given the weekend off. So much for him being so busy he couldn't possibly leave to be at DS's side in hospital. It just gets worse and worse.

OP posts:
amiwickedwitch · 10/08/2013 20:52

My first ltb too. What an awful horrible man. You deserve so much better.

ChasedByBees · 10/08/2013 20:55

LT financially and emotionally abusive B.

He is a pig and you will be so much better without him.

Tiredemma · 10/08/2013 20:57

Awful man.

98percentchocolate · 10/08/2013 20:57

What an utter, utter bastard.

You sound like such an incredible woman and such s loving mother. I agree with the poster above that said he is going to realise what he has lost once you are gone and it'll all be his fault. I just can't understand why he would act this way.

dreamingbohemian · 10/08/2013 20:58

Jesus. I can't even think of a word awful enough to describe him.

Get chocolate too and Wine. Be good to yourself.

sameoldIggi · 10/08/2013 21:01

There are things you can put up with in relationships (though you probably shouldn't) because they just affect yourself. But such callous behaviour and disrespect of a tiny baby? On your LO's behalf, you owe it to him to leave.
Not what you're thinking of just now but I'm sure you'll find someone in the future worthy of the names husband and father.

SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 21:15

I can't understand why he would act this way either, I am looking over at DS now who is fast asleep in his cot next to me, I love him so much it makes my heart hurt. He has a big bruise forming on his forehead where they had to put the IV drip as they couldn't find any veins in his hands as he was so dehydrated and I just want to pick him up and hug him. How a parent wouldn't want to be there for him is beyond my comprehension. I definitely owe it to him to get out of this situation and protect him as much as I can.

OP posts:
NoToast · 10/08/2013 21:26

Another first time LTB! Your little boy and you deserve far better.

I'm not a horsey person at all, so this is probably a silly question, can she be brought back to the UK? I have friends around the country who keep horses and can make enquiries about anyone who could take her for a bit. Ditto for temporarily/permanently housing bunnies/birds.

We have links to the North Cotswolds although don't live there, if that's the sort of area you're heading to I am happy to put you in touch with friends there for support.

Wishing you all the best.

ChippingInHopHopHop · 10/08/2013 21:30

It would appear that you find yourself married to a wanker of the worst degree. I am sure your friend's DH could tell some tales that would make you completely certain you are doing the right thing if you need that final push :(

I am steaming at your parents too - please stop defending them, their attitude is horrible, really horrible. They should be ashamed of themselves.

I hope you can find homes for your lovely horse and bunnies quickly. I know how hard that is :(

But please, just do whatever the hell it takes to get out of there and back to the UK ASAP. Do you have any friends you could stay with when you first get back?

And to mention the obvious, please get yourself checked out.

34DD · 10/08/2013 21:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

takeaway2 · 10/08/2013 21:51

He has blocked you from fb??? Amongst all the crappy things he's done or not done since?? What an arse. Here's my first LTB.

Definitely tell his CO... Angry Im so sorry.

34DD · 10/08/2013 21:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Caoilainn · 10/08/2013 22:02

I'm so sorry you are going through this spotty pony you and DS deserve so much more. You are effectively a single parent, making it official will make a huge difference in how you feel and cope with it. Wishing you and DS good luck and great times Flowers

SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 22:05

NoToast thank you, I will

OP posts:
SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 22:16

Damn, fat fingers!! Posted too soon. I will pm you about that if that's ok NoToast?

34DD I can't drive unfortunately but I could have her transported across by a company that specialises in transporting horses abroad however it would cost several hundred pounds, money which I don't currently have access to. Keeping her would be ideal as she is wonderful and I adore her but it's looking difficult right now.

I do have friends where I am hoping to relocate to, however since leaving the UK several years ago our friendships have become weaker to the point where I am seemingly forcing people to stay in touch. I think my best plan of action would be to go to the refuge centre on offer as they will assist me with housing applications, benefits etc. The issue with my parents is that they are big drinkers too - this was something that made for an unhappy childhood so it's not an environment I would want to subject DS to as they are getting worse with their drinking as the years go by. We will have to go it alone, I am sure although it will be a struggle at first we will get there in the end.

Apologies about the shocking typing now, I am on my phone and getting a huge headache from stressing so much all day so I may call it a night and get some sleep if I can. Thank you so much for everyone's well wishing and support, it has helped me so much.

OP posts:
NoToast · 10/08/2013 22:19

Welcome to PM, I only know UK horse owners though,

HansieMom · 10/08/2013 22:23

I would contribute to a fund to get your pony transported. She sounds like a lovely horse.

tasteslikechicken · 10/08/2013 22:26

Hi spotty, needless to say I share many of the views already expressed. On a more practical level my wife and I live inthe West Midlands and are currently replacing lots of baby/toddler stuff as our youngest is growing out of it. You'd be welcome to anything we have. I'm thinking cots etc that you may not be moving but would need to replace. We also have loads of boys clothes from baby upwards. Hope this doesn't offend. My mum had to flee with me as a child often, so I know how tight things can get!

Fightlikeagirl · 10/08/2013 22:33

You sound like an amazing strong woman, so sorry you are going through this, you deserve better than your dh.
I am certain you will come out the other end even stronger and life will get better for you and your ds.
Good luck with everything.