My father is a multiple-regressive alcoholic who needs hospitalization or detox any time he is off the wagon. He has been sober, supposedly for a few months. I an a 34-year old with a wife and 3 little kids. He and his wife are not understanding why I am so skittish to re-enter his life, after over a decade of pain and heartbreak. We are on speaking terms, but I know he wants more, and wants to see the kids more. I am trying to insulate them from the heartbreak I have felt off and on for the last 15 years.
So I guess the question is, is it fair for me to keep him at arm's reach and to insulate my kids from having any real bond with he or his wife (also an alcoholic, BTW). My protectiveness says stay away, danger, danger. My love for him says, he'll be gone some day and then it will be too late.
I have honestly been so hurt by him, I am most comfortable just avoiding him, but I feel like I have to decide. Advice from adults appreciated.
2006-12-27
13:59:25
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8 answers
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asked by
Anonymous