Torn · 10:53pm Apr 17th, 2015
I had known that my sister and her recently appointed husband were going through some rough times, but because my sister is about as bull-headed as they come and I knew that she wouldn't open up to me about what was going on, I didn't know just how bad things were until this last Monday. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about that afternoon. Nothing had been whispered amongst the other family members, but coming home to find my brother-in-law's bigrig parked in my spot immediately set me on edge. I went inside and asked my nephew what was going on, and he straight up told me his mother was breaking up with her husband. They'd only been married a matter of months, and I could scarce believe what I was hearing, but the expression on his face and gravity of his tone made it clear that he was speaking the truth.
From there, things only started to dissolve. My now ex-brother-in-law chugged down six beers and started going on and on with whoever he was talking to on the phone about how he's "free" and can just "get on with his life," just spouting potentially hurtful comments even after my niece, who is really attached to him, had come home. Her parents started fighting, she started crying, and it was at that moment that I really, genuinely began to feel like I understood why it is that the Bible speaks so harshly of divorce. In a recent sermon, I heard that the word from which we pull divorce means a literal tearing apart of two things, and that's exactly what I was seeing; a family torn apart. My family. The papers were signed that afternoon, then and there, and within a few hours, he was gone.
That's not to say there isn't a silver lining in all of this, because even in the midst of the turmoil, God was still calling my attention to reasons I had to be thankful. For one, my nephew, who had been deeply embittered towards my sister's ex-husband, turned the other cheek in a tremendous show of grace and was actually doing everything he could to help the one that had mistreated him so many times, quoting scripture and trying to encourage this man that had never really been a "father" to him. I can't even begin to express how encouraging it was to see my nephew manning up and standing strong in the faith despite everything that was happening. And, for the first time that afternoon, me and my niece actually got along. To say that we "butt heads" is an understatement, and I can't even remember the last time that we both were able to sit down in the same room and be civil. Reconciliation seemed to be left in the wake of a painful tearing, and for that I am grateful.
Unfortunately, in the midst of all this, there are two crucial points that may well slow my progress down even further. My sister informed me about a week before the split that she would be moving her family to a town a good three or four hours away from here. Considering that I live with my sister, I would guess that you all can see the obvious problem this presents, but my struggle is more than just about finding housing; it's about losing my nephew. He is the only friend that I have out here, and in one fell swoop, I'm losing my closest companion and my place to live. And, despite the fact that I'm quite sure I'll be able to work something out so that I'll at least have a place to sleep at night, this whole turn of events is weighing pretty heavily on my mind. Somehow, though, I still have confidence that God is going to work this all out for the best.
Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose," and Jeremiah 29:11 reads "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." That's good enough for me.
Now, then, as for what this means for the story? Well, two things. First, advancement is going to take a much lower priority on my schedule. I want to leave my schedule open to spending as much time with my family as I can before they move at the end of June. If possible, I would really like to patch things up between myself and my niece, and spend what time I can with my nephew. Secondly, I am heavily leaning towards releasing the first 12 chapters of "Stay," starting early May and updating twice a week. I know that I said I wouldn't post until the story is finished, but chapter 12 marks the end of the first arc, and though it would leave some stuff unanswered, could suffice as an "ending" if that was needed. Don't fret though, I still fully intend to finish this story. Just... I want to give my family priority right now, with everything going on. Thank you all for being understanding, and patient with my never-ending struggle to find stability in this crazy life. I sincerely hope that when next I write, it will be with better news than this. 
I'll be praying for you and your family, buddy. Take care! I wish you all the best. c:
Sorry to hear that thinks took a turn south. I only hope you can see your nephew often. It's good to hear about how you have your priorities straight. All I can wish you is good luck and I hope you have a happy journey ahead of you.
I'm not a very religious person, but that is all incredibly unfortunate. I sincerely hope things work out for you!
Do what you gotta do to take care of yourself and your family as best you can, don't worry about us.
God isn't going to do shit for you lmao
you have to do it yourself
I started thinking of the ending scene from Mrs. Doubtfire while reading this. I don't know why I thought of it, since I'm pretty sure that it doesn't apply to this specific scenario.
Whatever. Well intentioned wishes to you from halfway across the globe.
Putting it in laymen s terms.
Thats deep man.
You have my undying support