Originally posted October 25, 2019 / Revised September 16, 2023
On November 17, 2016, just after winning full custody, I stumbled upon something that would shatter our world. It was a journal, filled with multi-colored ink and adorned with a shiny pink cover. Within its pages were words of hate, written in red, green, purple, and blue, a stark confirmation of a war we had only sensed but now had tangible proof of.
The journal’s first entry was dated July 19, 2015, and as I read it aloud in the kitchen, tears streamed down my face. It was a moment of painful epiphany – we had run out of time long ago without even realizing it. The weight of this revelation was crushing, as we came to terms with the fact that our defeat had occurred right before our eyes, without our awareness.
For years, the poison of the alienator had seeped into Mary’s mind, coursing through her veins, attempting to erase every trace of Jack’s DNA. The evidence within the journal showed that it had succeeded in infiltrating her heart, as her words cut like daggers.
“It’s too late for him to be a good father.”
“I hate it at dad’s.”
“I’m done with dad.”
“Dad has a personality disorder.”
“I will kill myself if I have to go back.”
“I refuse to let my dad ruin my life.”
“I’m scared of what might happen if I go back.”
“I’m fearing for both Liam’s and my life.”
The avalanche had occurred, swallowing them whole into the depths of parental alienation. Finally, after 1 year, 3 months, and 28 days, help was on the way, but it was a painful realization that it had come too late.
Heart wrenching and accurate. It’s going on long before you start to fight. It’s like being forced to play a game and you don’t get the rules. There is no way to win. 💔