Son's graduation!

[Tamora Retired Super Moderator Member of the Month Aug 2015 PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Tamora]

I went through one of the most bitter and protracted divorces several years ago which resulted in me having absolutely no further contact with my ex. I haven't seen my daughter for at least a couple of years due to her mother's manipulation.

Both my kids live with her and my son is due to graduate from University following his degree in less than 2 weeks time. I'm desperate to be there for him on one of the most important events of his life, but the thought of being in the same room or hall with his mother (and my daughter for that matter) fills me with dread. I just don't think I can do it and I'm at a loss as to what to do.

[CUSP82 Administrator Admin of the Month Dec 2014PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close CUSP82]

It's your son so you go. Yes it's that simple. I'm sure people can act like grownups, at least for a while!

[Jay1983 Senior MemberMember of the Month Apr 2014, Sept 2016 Find all posts View Profile Close Jay1983]

This is one of those situations where there aren't enough reasons to not go! Take a GF with you and go

[jockinthebox Retired Moderator Member of the Month May 2015PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close jockinthebox]

Most graduation ceremonies are held in larger auditoriums. By all means, GO! You can lose yourself in the crowd and even though you may not be able to talk with your son, you can call him afterwards, expressing your pride and mentioning something unique about the ceremony, like a particular song played, or the tie he was wearing that will PROVE you were there for him! That's what's truly important. I'd also suggest you use your camera phone to video his appearance on stage receiving his diploma. That's something you & he will have forever if you upload it to your computer and make a disc. You DO NOT have to interact with your ex or your daughter at all this way.

[Tamora Retired Super Moderator Member of the Month Aug 2015 PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Tamora]

This is one of those situations where there aren't enough reasons to not go! Take a GF with you and go

Trouble is that tickets are very limited and if/when I do go I'm going to have to be on my Jack Jones...so no moral support from GF or whatever.

[Frog Senior Member Member of the Month March 2017 Find all posts View Profile Close Frog]

You must go! My father skipped mine and it still bothers me a little.

[Aang Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Aang]

Go, it only happens once in a lifetime!

[Sequoia Tree Senior Member Member of the Month July 2016 Find all posts View Profile Close Sequoia Tree]

I agree with all of the above, do whatever you can to get there!

[Party Senior Member Member of the Month August 2016 Find all posts View Profile Close Party]

I went through one of the most bitter and protracted divorces several years ago which resulted in me having absolutely no further contact with my ex. I haven't seen my daughter for at least a couple of years due to her mother's manipulation.

Both my kids live with her and my son is due to graduate from University following his degree in less than 2 weeks time. I'm desperate to be there for him on one of the most important events of his life, but the thought of being in the same room or hall with his mother (and my daughter for that matter) fills me with dread. I just don't think I can do it and I'm at a loss as to what to do.

for God sakes go, be seen, sounds like you are more concerned about your comfort level than your kids, show them you're better than how your ex portrays you, be pleasant Take a higher road, may help with your children's attitude and polluted mind about you.

[closed224 Senior Member Member of the Month Dec 2014, Feb 2017 Find all posts View Profile Close closed224]

Tamora, go if it is moral support you need to avoid the ex give me your number and I will call you and you can talk to me the whole time if needed. On my dime. PM me. Or any thing you need to make this happen. I will buy your ticket if needed. Seriously PM me anyway I can help. Don't let her ruin this moment for you and your son.
I am happy to do whatever it takes.

[BigRooster Senior Member Member of the Month Apr 2018PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close BigRooster]

Definitely go. And like Jay said bring a lady friend. Act civil and let it eat at your ex. If she throws a fit. You've shown that you are the better person. If she cannot put her emotions on the back burner for yours and her son. Shame on her.

[benschmidt Senior Member Member of the Month July 2015 Find all posts View Profile Close benschmidt]

If you don't go, you will regret it and wonder why you didn't, and that will be worse than if you went and it ended poorly, which it probably wouldn't.

[Party Senior Member Member of the Month August 2016 Find all posts View Profile Close Party]

I agree with everyone you must go, except, don't add fuel to the fire with a gal friend. Go alone and shake the hand of any boyfriend she brings. This ain't about getting anyone pissed, it's about your kids, keep it that way. Don't forget this is an opportunity to reconnect with them. Good luck

[longerlastingnoob Senior Member Member of the Month Jan 2015 Find all posts View Profile Close longerlastingnoob]

I think you're going to be there.....so...... just do like in the waterboy and imagine something else when you see her.
2015-07-15_22.36.16.jpg

[Tamora Retired Super Moderator Member of the Month Aug 2015 PEGym Hero Find all posts View Profile Close Tamora]

Wow...I'm overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from all you guys and girls! My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you!

Even though I haven't seen my daughter for more than a couple of years I do see my son pretty much once every week and he is due to come and see the "old man" tomorrow. He's going on a camping trip for a week starting next weekend and his graduation day is a couple of days after that...so tomorrow may well be the last time I see him before his "big day".

I've already just emailed him telling him to make sure that tomorrow he brings all the details of where I need to be and at what time and whatnot for his graduation day. Just so as you all know...he's graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours (with a bit of help from his "old man" as he calls me)...which means he now has a BSc(Hons) after his name. So proud!!!

Once again...many thanks for all your support and I hope you all feel the reciprocated love from me! I just had that little seed of doubt in my mind telling me not to "rock the boat" but now, thanks to all my friends, I am convinced in the courage of my convictions.