Every time Sam contcts me, he starts making "plans" and "demands" that put my peace of mind and my protection out of the equation all together, then, when I mention that, he comes back with "I want you to be safe and ok." Like you-know-where he does!!

Of course, he made the mistake of calling my mother 2 days after he left me and telling her that he "just couldn't deal with taking care of patients all day (2-4 hours a day, in reality), then come home and have 'another patient' to take care of the rest of the time." He felt like he "never got a break," but that he would "never do anything to hurt her, or anything to take away her safety or leav her in a position where she isn't ok." Liar.

But, my mother is a retired family law attorney. When everything comes to trial - and it will - she will be there to throw his words back into his face, especially given his knack for upsetting me to the point of physical illness.

I don't know what the heck he thinks he is doing, or what he thinks he hopes to gain, but he is an idiot. Of course, I suspect that a lot of his actions are coming from his parents, who, of course, have no idea of his history during our relationship. If they happen to sit in on the hearing, they will get an eye-opening.

As for the hearing, he is the one who wanted out, he can pay the money to file for divorce and if he wants to try and play it dirty by hiring an attorney, well, fine. My brother is an active Family Law attorney. Let him drive the nails into his own coffin, and he will. I am trying very hard to let go an angst, stick by the ones who have been truest to me, and stop putting energy into worry.