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Relationships

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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:
OrangeLily · 10/08/2013 22:46

OP you sound really brave, I don't have any advice but you sound like an amazing parent and he's a wanker.

Hopasholic · 10/08/2013 23:10

So sorry to hear what you are going through. You sound lovely, you'll get there, I think this has been the proverbial straw which broke the camels back.

Are MN moving this to relationships as it seems to have been moved to 'For sale/Wanted reusable nappies' ?? Presume this is an error?

TheBleedinObvious · 10/08/2013 23:18

I hope your ds feels better soon.
Goodluck with the move.
I hope he continues to ignore you as I am certain this will make things easier for you in the future.

Flowers
MunchkinsMumof2 · 10/08/2013 23:19

What a lovely offer tasteslikechicken I feel so angry and sad on your behalf spottypony but I think you will look back eventually with relief that this pathetic excuse of a man is out of your life. You will make a good new life for you both and when the time is right, you will meet someone who is truly worthy of you and your darling boy.
I hope you can get lots of useful advice from here wrt leaving, your animals and your living arrangements and there is always someone to listen and proffer virtual hugs and wine. I hope you sleep well, tomorrow you will both be a step closer to a better future.

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 07:33

I'm really confused as to why this thread has been moved to a "reusable nappies" topic instead...? I didn't request for it to be moved, not sure how I go about getting it moved into Relationships if thats what MNHQ intended.

OP posts:
KingRollo · 11/08/2013 07:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sameoldIggi · 11/08/2013 07:40

Spotty have reported it to mnhq, I'm sure they'll get it moved somewhere more appropriate :). How are you today?

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 08:02

Apologies, I got so baffled upon realising where my thread had ended up that I totally forgot to acknowledge people's lovely posts! Blush how rude of me. tasteslikechicken that is really kind, thank you for the offer however I don't feel worthy of such generosity! DS has lots of clothes in the next size up and beyond, and removals are able to ship over all of his stuff too (even if it goes into storage) so we will be set up. I really appreciate such an offer though Smile

Today I am feeling worn out and very daunted at what lies ahead, and am ashamed to admit I leapt on my phone as soon as I woke up to check if he'd messaged, tried to call, anything. Of course he hadn't. Tried to call one last time out of desperation to believe this wasn't really happening, my number still appears to be blocked or his phone is off. Not that I could come back from something like this anyway, it's unforgiveable.

Thank you to those who have checked in on me, it means so much. Thanks

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KingRollo · 11/08/2013 08:12

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SoftKittyWarmKitty · 11/08/2013 08:21

He is a disgusting example of humanity and an embarrassment to our armed forces. You, on the other hand, sound lovely. You'll make it work, I know you will. Definitely tell his CO that you cannot contact him by any means as he's cut off all forms of contact, perhaps mention that your friend's DH said he's gone off on a jolly on his weekend off rather than come back to see his poorly son, but don't mention you're leaving - you don't want them giving him the heads up. Say you want to give him an update on your son's health instead.

Then organise, organise, organise. Get the flights booked for before he returns and work towards that date. Sorry that your parents are as useless as him but you don't need them, really you don't. When you get back, or even just before, get in touch with your old friends and arrange a catch up for when you get back. Good luck with everything.

KingRollo · 11/08/2013 08:32

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 09:12

SoftKitty yes my plan of action for tomorrow is ringing welfare and making sure his CO is aware of what's been going on, and the fact he hasn't asked about his son who has been in hospital and turned down the chance to come home.

KingRollo what a lovely idea! It would be amazing if she could go on to do something like that - I do fear though with her previous polo career she might be a bit much as although she's quiet and well mannered on the ground, when ridden as soon as you use a bit of leg she takes off like a rocket! Just the way she's been trained, but something to look into. I will be going up the yard a bit later to speak to the yard manager and see if he knows of anyone that would be interested, going to be lots of tears today!

OP posts:
KeatsiePie · 11/08/2013 09:30

Hi again Spotty just checking in. I'm sorry you have a tough day ahead. Glad you are here, there are so many kind people here to offer support.

Again I would urge balance in what you do. I know it's hard when everything's so topsy turvy right now and your emotions are of course running high. But try to be kind to yourself. Spend some time on your beloved horse, spend some time with your DS, spend some time on the logistics -- and spend some time just being quiet with yourself. A little reading or tv with a cup of tea and a snack will give you a chance to get centered. You deserve a few minutes' peace, and you need it.

MunchkinsMumof2 · 11/08/2013 10:28

Please try not let him and his appalling treatment of you overshadow the brave decisions you are making now, set yourself a limit where you have a good bawl and then consign him to where he belongs, out of your life and mind. I echo Keats please be really kind to yourself and remember you are doing so well. Flowers

Viking1 · 11/08/2013 10:38

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Distrustinggirlnow · 11/08/2013 10:52

Oh spotty, what an utter twat your DH has turned out to be. I'm so sorry for you. Sounds like you're getting things sorted though...

Without wishing to out myself as I haven't name changed, but I will take your horse here in the uk If you can get her here. I've no tow vehicle so can't collect her I'm afraid. I've a retired polo mare too and I would find it very hard to part with her.

I'm in the midlands. Your mare can stay here until you've found a yard near to where you live.

Would your parents help with the transport costs?

This is my first ever LTB post too. Give him the single life he so craves. Fucking twat Angry

You really do deserve so much better Thanks

ChippingInHopHopHop · 11/08/2013 10:58

Maybe you could find someone in Germany to look after your horse just until you are settled in the UK and can get the funds together to get his sent to you?

You are doing really well and I can tell from your posts that you will be fine & will get everything sorted out for you and DS. Just, please, do it quickly before he comes back and try not to tell too many people in case he finds out and does an about face to get you to stay - to make him look good!

Featherbag · 11/08/2013 12:30

Oh my, what an unspeakable arsehole, I'm so glad you're able to make plans to get away from there! I hope everything goes smoothly for you!

Megsdaughter · 11/08/2013 12:41

Spotty, talk to welfare, I am a military wife, I know you can get moved to welfare houses in Uk until you can find housing.

My BF was housed in Colchester until she managed to get a HA house in her home area.

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 12:59

Thanks all, I am taking things one step at a time. I have advertised my bunnies and one is being collected tomorrow, sounds like he will have a lovely home and her son sounds very excited to meet him. The lovebirds may have a potential new home too, i have a huge lump in my throat everytime I look at them now. It's making me feel utter hatred for "D"H for this - how dare his selfish actions result in me losing my lovely pets? The anger I'm finding is useful, it's driving me to get things organised and sorted.

Distrustinggirlnow oh wow, could you? That would be amazing, I will send you a pm. She really is such a wonderful girl, it makes me feel physically sick to part with her. If only I could do the same with all my pets but I feel confident they at least are off to good homes. I will see if there's a way I can raise funds for her transport costs, perhaps my parents could assist although I do doubt it. I do have a lady over here in mind to possibly give her a new home - she has a large farm out in the countryside with a retired racehorse, a donkey and some ponies and enquired about my mare before when I was looking for a sharer when pregnant with DS. She desperately wanted to buy her at the time but I didn't want or need to sell, so I might message her if all else doesn't work out.

OP posts:
saggyhairyarse · 11/08/2013 13:07

This sounds like my XH. DH, at the time, did not believe that I was in prem labour and drove like an idiot taking me to hospital and then DS was in NICU for 3 weeks and DH only visited a few times. He preferred to go to the pub than come home and support me, help care for his children. He would act like he was on an 18-30 holiday whenever we went away. When DS fell off a wall and had concussion he would not collect me from hospital and gave me money to get the bus. When I was in hospital, he did not take the kids to school because he didn't know where their uniforms were or what to put in their packed lunches. Such a twat and I am well rid. You would be too....

phoenixfox · 11/08/2013 14:09

What an utter arse! You will be well rid of him. Just a thought though, do you think that by not coming home and blocking you from all contact, he has effectively left you? I think it sounds like he fully expects you to be gone when he gets back. By making things unbearable for you to stay, he has pushed you into leaving. Then he can say you left him, which sounds better than him leaving his wife and 6 month old ds in a strange country possibly for another woman!

I hope you get everything sorted with your pets. It's heartbreaking and you deserve so much better.

KingRollo · 11/08/2013 14:13

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Livvylongpants · 11/08/2013 14:35

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SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 14:46

phoenix going by how deceitful he is and how he likes to always play the victim, I would say that's most likely what is happening. He can get sympathy from his work mates by sitting morosely at the bar, complaining he doesn't get to see DS as I upped and left when he was in Canada and making me out to be terrible. Whilst all the while covering his own terrible behaviour. I can see it all now.

I have just had a text from the same number I had a call from previously (from a woman who had an accent of the country he's in now) saying "What's up babe, why did you just try to ring me?" Clearly was meant for him not me. Sitting here in disbelief this is all happening, it's nightmareish.

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