Monday, February 13, 2006

And So It Goes

Husband called his brother to discuss his plans and the charges of spousal abuse. Kevin and Beth are trying to avoid a foreclosure...so they're moving out of their house and leaving California in less than 2 weeks.

Kevin admitted that he has hit Beth several times, culminating in her filing a police report and him spending 3 days in jail. He's currently out on $10,000 bail.

Kevin informed Husband that they would be visiting us as they drove to Missouri. Husband said "OK" without mentioning that they cannot live with us for 2-3 months.

Husband has since refused to call his brother back to clarify the situation.


Husband: I feel as though I'm letting him down.

Jill: We agreed that they cannot live here with us under these circumstances...it would be detrimental to our family. When are you going to call?

Husband: I dunno.

Jill: (Turning red) You promised. Is there a problem? Are you rethinking our decision?

Husband: No! I'm just thinking about it.

Jill: Husband. The last time they stayed here was a disaster. They each drank 2 six-packs of beer every day plus a bottle of whiskey. They slept all day, argued constantly when they were up, broke things and "borrowed" money so they could play poker. They ate and left dishes all over the place...not to mention the beer cans. They left the front door open 10 times and the cats tried to get out. They also failed to watch their own 3 year old, who enjoyed running out into the front yard and the street. Mom had just passed away and they expected me to watch her all day. And they didn't ask...they just expected it. I'm not up for this again.

Husband: I'll call later this week.

Jill: They think they're staying with us. Please call now and tell them to not make plans to stay here.

Husband: No. It's just for 2 days.

Jill: (Giving Husband the Stink-Eye) We didn't agree on that.

Husband: What? You're going to lock them out and not let them visit for 2 days?

Jill: That's right. I don't agree with their choices. They're alcoholics, drug addicts, addicted to gambling, and now Kevin batters Beth in front of the kids. What does it take for you to cut them off and tell them to start taking responsibility for their lives?

Husband: (silent)

Jill: You're scared, aren't you?

Husband: Maybe.

Jill: Great. Just Great. You know that you can't save him, right? He chooses this destructive lifestyle no matter what you or I or anyone else in the family does to help him.

Husband: I just don't think it's right to not be there to help him.

Jill: I've agreed with you on this for the last 10 years. But the time has come to tell him to straighten up his act and stop bailing him out.

Husband: Whatever.

Jill: Oy Vey.