This is new to me, never posted on here before so here it goes...
For years since I can remember my dad gambled away everything, his family, money, my mums life and broke my family. There was a cycle, and recently my mum broke that cycle, I have never been so proud of her! She chose to separate from the gambling for me and my little brothers so we can have a life gamble free, as hard as it was to go through that with her, it made me realise how strong she actually is. I have so much admiration for her..
Because I've been through his lies and deceit so many times I've become immune to it all, apart from when my brothers start to cry and they breakdown Infront of me, that's when I get emotional...it hurts to see and know how young try are yet they know and understand so much. It breaks my heart that they think daddy doesn't love them, he chose gambling over us... It makes me wonder what kind of monster can do that to two young little boys...
Why don't gamblers think of their children? What goes through a gamblers mind? I'm disappointed because I thought he could finally change after all these years. I guess it was another thing to say to shut us all up.. He had us all fooled.
Well I can't think of anything else to write right now, suppose I better get back to work!
Another day another dime and all that,
M poppins.
Hiya m poppins
At first I was going to say you left a post on my diary that wasn't meant for me bit after reading this post I understand why you did
Well done though for posting how you feel I hope putting it in writing has helped a bit as we all find it's a good way of venting our feelings
Words can't start to say how sorry I am with what you and your brothers have been put through , always remember your totally innocent in all of this and have become victims for too long
I wish I could make you understand why your dad did and still does what he did , the truth his he only knows , when gambling we become different people and that you have experienced I am sure your dad at periods when not gambling or after a win was the best dad in the world and how you would expect him to be but the rest of the time it wasnt pleasant I'm guessing you have seen that different side too many times
There's no excuses for your dad the only person to blame is himself please don't ever think you your brothers or even your mum had any affect with it , your dad is the only person who can make that change and he has to want to do it , the reality is he can but has to admit he has a problem
I admitted my problem 2 and a half years ago and it was the hardest and best decision I have ever made , yes I have had a few relapses but I have learned from them , if I hadn't made that decision then my daughter could be the one writing your post and I lie to you not I write this with tears in my eyes with the perish of the thought
I thank you so much for writing today it strengthens my recovery and makes me realise why I am making this journey , for the sake of you and your brothers I hope your dad realises before its too late whether that stage has past only you know , for now though there's nothing you can do but wait and see what happens
You have your life ahead of you I know you are due to get married soon and I wish you the very best for your future
You are right to be so proud of your mum she made that change and broke that cycle and that was so brave of her , she speaks how proud she is of all of you and you are the reason she found that strength to do what she did
Whatever happens with your dad your mum will make sure your happy and do the best for you all as I know in return you and your brothers will do the same , you have a very special family
Castle2
M poppins
Because you are practically perfect in every way. Or is it because you think you can say spit spot and your room will be tidy?
Thank you for all you have said and done for me. You and your brothers have been my tower of strength. And of course the cause of a few grey hairs!
I'm glad you chose to join gamcare. Use it as your release from all that's has happened in your life to expose the feelings you kept bottled up for so long.
It may help you to understand. You may even get a lot of help from it.
This can be your therapy. We all need something.
Read a lot from the friends and family section, it's shocking how everyone's story is different yet they are all the same.
Xxxx
Castle 2,
Thank you for your post, and for everything you've done for my mum. You have supported her for so long and given her happiness, I can see the difference the support has made. And yes I am very proud of her, she's my world and I'm so protective of her... As much as he thinks she doesn't need it, we all need someone to protect us.
And yes mum I am practically perfect in every way;) Apart from my room... I did tell you not to look!!! I warned you!:P
To be honest I've never thought talking about this kinda stuff has helped, but seeing all the support and kind words that have been shared on here especially to my mum, it's given me a sence of hope and warmth. I think just the 1 first post has helped.
Thanks again castle2... Mums told me your story, everyone has a past and you've had one hell of one! I didn't ever think if be able to like an ex gambler, but you've changed my perception (if that's the right word)< tell me if I'm wrong... I hope one day my dad can say with confidence "I AM an EX gambler" I have spoken to him recently and from what he says I can only hope he sticks to it. However actions speak louder than words.
Thank you again.
Love, hugs and smiles to you all:)
M Poppins.
Writing down your feelings and thoughts never hurts and it's always something to look back on to see how far you've come xxx
Hi MP
thank you for your kind words I can't start to tell you how much they mean
I'm so pleased it help writing things down and I hope you continue to do so and hopefully start to try and understand why your dad did what he did causing destruction in your life as well as your mum and wonderful brothers
I know it must be hard to see others trying so hard to let gambling play no part in their lives no more and wondering why your dad won't , my heart goes out to you on that front
There is hope though your dad can make that change but he has to be the one to do it , unfortunately gambling is an evil addiction just like alcohol and drugs its very difficult to stop , admitting the problem and seeking help is vital and the 1st steps to recovery and from then on you just have to keep trying and never give in , it can be done I assure you
Hitting rock bottom is another way but everyone is different , in a way I hope this is your dads time and the reality will kick in and see that he is about to lose everything , I really hope for you and your brothers sake he does , time will tell I guess
Your brave brave mum who I have so much respect for did exactly the right thing by protecting herself you and your brothers I hope in return its the start of a new exciting adventure for you all that's the least you all deserve
You are still young with all your life ahead of you and I hope somehow the pain of the past will be a distant memory , your mum is strong and I assure you she will be fine and take care of your brothers and I know you help out so much with and she greatly appreciates
I'm really proud of you for opening up i hope in return you find the answers you are looking for
Castle2
Affected by gambling?
Looking for support?
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.