They loaded me up with food...and $40 in gift cards. Took two...$20 Giant Eagle gift cards. One for Gas and one for Milk & Eggs.

What was I thinking?

Thirty years, most of which were the best of my life. Not a day goes by I don't think of one or more of the great experiences we had. I do not say this sarcastically... I "am" glad she can stay in the lifestyle we grew into over the years.

I never wanted to cause my ex-wife pain when I left in April 2023—it was the last thing on my mind. To make things easier for her, I willingly forfeited my share of nearly $200,000 in assets, (property and motor home) so she could move forward without added stress.

Our final conversation over a year ago was tough and emotional, and in the heat of it, I blocked her on my phone. Honestly, I forgot all about it amid everything else going on in my life.

Lately, I've been struggling financially, buried under about $40,000 in debt, and I joined a debt relief program to try and climb out of this hole. Money's been incredibly tight, and recently, while looking at my Zelle app, I saw our old transactions. In a moment of desperation, I thought maybe I could reach out and ask for just $20 to help me get through the weekend. It seemed harmless, like a small bridge back to some civility.

At first, the chat was surprisingly cordial, which gave me hope. But when I casually mentioned the block—she reacted strongly, just like in the old days, always seeing herself as the victim in these situations. Her parting words stung: 

"You had me blocked and you're asking me for money? Isn't that rich?" CLICK!

Looking back, I was just trying to survive a rough patch, but I regret reopening old wounds. 

What was I thinking?