My folks called me last night to tell me they're splitting up. Dad's apparently reconnected with a college friend over the past six months, and they realize romantic feelings are still there (and apparently always have been). He told my Mom Monday night and they called me yesterday. Still sinking in, but I'm all over the place emotionally. May not be posting much. I won't go much into it here, but people are free to check in via email/PM/Colinswood if they choose. I know you guys (amongst others) are here, though, and that helps.

Prayers/vibes/love/well-wishes are always appreciated. Much love, y'all.

Hey there Colin. Sorry to hear about the family news, that's a pretty big blow to take no matter what age you are.


Know that whatever happens between your parents I'm sure they both love you dearly and that the current events won't ever change that. My thoughts and prayers are with you this evening.

I'm sure this has happened to plenty people here.

It happened to me when I was 14. My dad had an affair and walked out, came back again and then left a second time for good. It got pretty bitter and really destroyed my relationship with my dad.

It's an upsetting situation. I just hope your dad has made the right decisions because if you asked my dad today he would probably admit he made the biggest mistake of his life. He lives alone now and no one had any time for him.

Hey Colin, Im really sorry to hear this.. there is nothing I find adequate to say.....hang in there...

Hang in there Colin. My folks broke up when I was 10, but luckily it was not an ugly, bitter divorce. Not to say it was fun, but it could have been much worse. I hope things work out as smoothly as possible for your parents, and for you.

Yikes...I know it's rough, but like everyone's saying - this is between them, & doesn't affect how they feel about you at all. I know it sounds kinda like we're talking to you like yer 6 when we say that, but it's true.

"Crazy ol' people!" That's the phrase one of my best friends and I use to describe OUR parents' actions. For whatever reason, it always makes us laugh and alleviates a bit of the frustration.

My sentiments have already been voiced by those. Hang in there, Colin. This is something your parents have to figure out -- be strong for your mom, she's the one who's going to need the most strength.

Good wishes beaming your way.

Dear Colin,

I'm really sorry to hear about your news.
Just know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
And if you ever need a laugh we'll be here.

Oh, and if you do go for a bit I reallly hope it's not for long.

Take care.

We'll miss you.

Mine split when I was 2. Both really wanted to make it work, but that was 7 years into it, and they had very, VERY little in common to start with (high school romance, first kid at 18, me at 23). I was fortunate to have been so young, and I wish the same could've been true for you (if they had to split at all). You don't get to pick yer parents. And things have an odd way of going from "life-alteringly crazy" to just sorta normal in less time than seems possible to you right this second. Your mom may wind up being happier.

Chin up.

Man, I am sorry to hear this. There is no way it doesn't throw you for a loop. My parents divorce was finalized the week after I graduated from high school.

I didn't think it would affect me, but has affected my thoughts, actions and especially relationships with friends and lovers ever since.

I for one am thinking about you, man. You'll get through it, cos you have no other choice.

Sorry to hear that. My parents have been dealing with some issues for a while now and trying hard to work things out.

At first when they told me about it I wanted to slap some sense into them both.

Now I can clearly see that they have changed, they are not the same people that they were 30 years ago, and thats OK. Who could be after raising three crazy as hell male children.

Sorry to hear that, C.

You're in my thoughts.

sorray about that Colin. I hope it ends up the best for everyone involved. it still sucks though. don't be a stranger.

Damn buddy.
I'll be thinking of you, too.
And if you need an ear to gab into, I have two of them.

Take care of you and be there for your parents, too. I'm sure it's eating them both up (yes, your dad too). And know that they love you more than you could ever know.

There is no greater love in the world than a parent for their child. And nothing can ever change that.

so sorry to hear this, colin.

i was 20 when my parents split up. it was horrible and so painful for my mom. i wasn't as upset that they broke up because there had been problems for a long time but it was really hard to watch my mom go through it.

on the flip side, as a parent who has recently divorced, the ex and i did everything possible to make this easier on our kids. of course, there's no way to keep them from hurting at all but we made them our number one priority even though we had had it with each other.

i'm sure your parents adore you and you'll all get through this and possibly be even closer. just remember it's about them and not about you.

we'll all be thinking about you.

Hey Colin. I'm thinking about you extra now.

So sorry to hear this, Colin. You're in my thoughts.

that's pretty much it for me too. I'm glad it happened when it did. Couldn't imagine what it would be like to deal with now.

Sorry to hear that Colin...try not to take sides in this deal...I went through this one when I was 23...there was definitely an awkward period of adjustment, but things are cool now

good luck man.

been there.

Ouch. Mine split when I was 19 and it still sucked. In retrospect, they should've split when I was 3--it would have saved everyone a lot of head/heartache in the long run. I feel for you. Unfortunately parents are no different from strangers in their inborn ability to do crappy things to others.

I'm really sorry Colin. I can't imagine what this must be like, and I hope you can take something good away from it.

i'm sorry colin. you and your family are in my prayers.