The Miracle of Family and Friends

As I look back over the last 10 months - I know that I would never have made it without the support of my family and friends. Even my mother-in-law has offered financial support - and to testify for me if we end up in court.

Its funny the blinders you wear. I was in my own fantasy world - my soon to be ex gave me the skeleton - and I built a whole man around him. Then bone by bone that skeleton was taken apart as each lie he told was exposed.

The person I dreaded telling the most was one of my brothers-in-law. He is a staunch Catholic and I was terrified that I would be ostracized from the family. He and my sister have 7 kids (from 2 to 20) that mean the world to me. According to my mom his reaction to my separation was "It's about time!". Got to love that guy!

It is amazing what people don't tell you when they see you about to make a terrible mistake. One of Gary's lies was that he had been a police officer. He was laid off due to budget cuts. I found out recently that he had been a security guard for the police department building. A woman I worked for knew this - her husband was a police officer and worked in the same building that Gary "guarded". He met Gary and recognized him. But she never said a word. I don't blame her for my mistake - but just a quick chat with me seven years ago would have saved me a lot of money and agravation. So if you know someone is being lied to - speak up!

I am truly blessed with friends. Gary and I are still sharing the house. I couldn't change the locks because his name is on the title. Doesn't matter that he wasn't paying for anything. So now he is in the guest room. And finding out ways to aggravate me! I have had several offers from friends if I need to move out. Gary could go live in his truck. Even his mother won't take him in. His only friend is another 50 year old loser who lives in someone's basement, not paying any rent. They sit in our basement playing at starting a business. But mostly playing shoot 'em games on the computer. The friend is a convicted felon - on parole for stealing from his last employer. He ruined his wife's credit by buying a house in her name and then not paying a dime. He even sold the appliances out of it before the bank kicked him out. Two peas in a pod.