My musings: whilst I do feel terribly sad for I&B that this happened, especially if it’s not all made but the minor did indeed provoke some altercation, I do not think it came as a shock nor as a major "eye opener" for them. For B, positive as she is, she is also intelligent and as someone who’s been in similar situation I can confirm you see kids who you know have been acting terribly towards their loving caring dad with suspicion. Not blaming them, but always keeping your guard up. And for Yo I do believe the most painful moment was when he cried on the phone to his parents when he decided to divorce. He couldn’t foresee all of these events exactly, but he knew in his heart. Like we are all saying, the kids were conditioned from birth. My now husband, when he left and filed for divorce (we were friends then so he used to share a lot of what was going on + we were being accused of having an affair by the crazy ex (in hindsight we might have never become anything more than friends if not for her - it was one of those "we might as well now" - narc’s own goals, ha!) asked me to help him with shopping for essentials, as his rented place was empty and he was in such stress he couldn't think straight. I remember that afternoon as if yesterday: together with toilet rolls and soap and toothpaste he also got some cereal and beans and treats and said "in case the boys come to stay" and started to cry. I was so sad for him but also so surprised - I never knew of narcs then and did not even imagine what lies ahead for him and couldnt understand why a grown man would be so emotional starting to live separately from the woman that made his life hell. Needless to say, the boys never came. Oldest (17 at the time) attacked him at some point. Youngest as I mentioned started having an ok relationship with him when he turned 18 and started living independently (although lately became strangely aloof, but that’s another story). What I am trying to get to: my husband knew. He was there all his boys life. He knew. Yo knew also. I am sure he is awfully sad now. But I do not believe he is an any shock or surprise. As to him walking away - it is definitely time. He has no choice but to believe that big E does well and truly not want to see him, regardless of reasons. Child or not, every adult I think should be able to say to their child: I love you but I do not like you. And I do believe you when you say you dont want me in your life. Im there if you are in trouble, but for now Im letting you be. It should now be up to big E, when she grows up, to reach out. I doubt she will. Unless for money. As I said Im afraid she will grow up being like her mother, but only time will tell.
Will he be able to salvage things with small E - I really hope so as he has professionals as well as friends and family around him, so fingers crossed. No idea how it might be workable with mother and sister making her life hell for seeing dad, but maybe something can be worked out. I hope awful as latest developments are, they might be a turning point for him to unstick himself from this limbo and move on.
MOO