Melancholy!!!

The sun is hidden behind the clouds, a cold breeze moves the limbs of the pine trees back and forth, the grey sky is mirrored in the snow covered ground, a light snow masks any hint of color from your eyes, and the quiet is so deafening that you can hear the ring in your ears and the thump of your heart. Is this the definition of Melancholy? If not, it sure has a way of defining that feeling inside.

As a parent there are times that we just want a break ... "give me some peace, just for 10 minutes". I have been told that I am lucky because I get frequent breaks from my children. As I sit here and look around my house, there are signs of three beautiful children that belong in their home. But they are not here. That is not by choice ... nor is it by design ... but rather, because of a situation that I had a role in. I do not want pitty, sympathy, or sorrow. I want parents to understand what they will experience when they put themselves and their children in these situations. I would give anything to be longing for peace right now rather than longing for my children, the noise, and the chaos that goes with it. I don't wish to be lucky anymore!!!

I am blessed, and I know that. There are many fathers and mothers that are not allowed to see their children, be a parent, or may be experiencing these feelings for the first time. The longing does not go away, but coping skills will develop to help soften your reaction. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help others get through these difficult times. More importantly, I hope that I can influence others to resist the temptation to interfere with a parent-child relationship and do what is right and what is best for their children to support those relationships. Ultimately, I would like to see this country get back the family and the family values that create family focused children. Let us end the "ME" generation and get back the "YOU" generation.