She Cheated Yet They Did Not Expect Such Revenge From Me

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1:00Canopy's clean moisture combats dryness, dullness, and fine lines, while strengthening the skin's barrier and boosting the effectiveness of topical skin care products. With its sleek design, canopy is the cleanest and easiest humidifier on the market. With its unique technology, cleaning is as easy as popping it in the dishwasher. Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your canopy humidifier purchase today with Canopy's filter subscription. Even better, use code podcast to check out to save an additional 10% off your canopy purchase. Your skin will thank you. Hello, I'm welcome to cheating all the time. Glad you are here. Let's get into this next crazy cheat. Nothing prepares you for the moment your life falls apart. One night, one dance, and my wife left with another man, my boss of all people. The world I built shattered in an instant. She didn't even look back. That betrayal. It burned deep, but the revenge of plan will burn them both to ashes. They took my dignity by family and thought I'd stay broken.

2:02They were wrong. Not every move I make is calculated every step leading to their downfall. It's not about forgiveness anymore. It's about making them wish they'd never crossed me. My name is Mike Wilson. Before that night, I thought my life was going well. I had no idea that everything was about to change for the worse. In just one night, everything I held dear would either be taken for me with threatened. Yet, I survived, and over the years, I found comfort in a favor at Bible Verse. The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned, but time and chance happened to them all. I married Jenny Smith three months after finishing college, and we had been together for a little over seven years when I felt deeply betrayed by her. I looked back at every moment of our life together, hoping to find signs of what was coming, but I found nothing. I was completely shocked. Jenny and I met in college. She was very pretty about five-six with beautiful over-and-hair and bright green eyes. She wasn't overly glamorous, but to me, she was perfect. On a scale from one to 10, where a 10 represents perfection, Jenny was in nine,

3:04maybe even a 9.5. She had a special way about who that made people want to be near her. From the moment she said hello, I was captivated by her. We connected well, and what we wanted from life seemed to align. At least that's what Jenny shared with me. We dated for a while, and then decided to get married. Jenny was charming and beautiful, while I considered myself around an eight or eight and a half. I'm the quieter type, standing six feet tall and weighing about 190 pounds with sandy brown hair. In high school and college, I was social and enjoyed spending time with friends. While I wasn't a sports star or a famous actor, I did get some positive attention from when I'm once in a while. I won't go into all the details about how Jenny and I got together, but we met in statistics class during our junior year. Over the next 18 months, we became very close friends. Just before graduation, I was lucky to get a good job making our future look bright. One thing that should have worried me was that Jenny did not want to introduce me to her parents, John and Alma. I didn't realize until after we got married that she was quite shy about them. In fact, I might have never met them

4:04if I hadn't insisted on talking to her father before I asked her to marry me. For a day or two, I thought we might break up, but eventually Jenny agreed and set up a visit to her parents' house. During this visit, I learned that Jenny have come from a humble background, and she felt shy about it. However, I found her parents to be wonderful people, and Jenny had nothing to fill a shamed of. They were warm, kind, and very welcoming. They didn't have a lot, but they always shared what they could. My father passed away when I was 14 and my mother when I was 20, so I grew to love John and Alma Smith like they were my real parents. They lived in a small house in an older neighborhood that wasn't very nice. It was a simple one-story home with three bedrooms and one bathroom. The living room was a good size, but the kitchen was small. Despite this, John made sure the outside was well-capped and the lawn was neat. Alma, on the other hand, kept the inside very clean. Over the years, it was hard to see Jenny act coldly towards her parents. Every time I tried to talk about it, we ended up arguing. So I stopped bringing them up, but I always checked on them. I called at least once a week, and sometimes I could get Jenny to speak to them.

5:06I wanted to stay connected, but I also listened to see if they needed anything. One time I noticed John's lawnmower was broken, and he couldn't afford to fix it, so I bought the second hammer until John I bought a new one. I asked if he knew anyone who could use my old mower. I think John realized what I was doing, but he accepted a mower with thanks. I had a good job that paid well, so I wanted to help if I could. I started working as an accountant for a medium-sized manufacturing company with factories in five states and two other countries. At the main office, our accountant team had just a team people, including me. Even though it was a small team, we took care of all the accounting and taxes for the company. He even as a beginner accountant, I earned a good salary. But after three years with the company, two things helped me move forward in my career. First, John's dad and our department manager retire. Soon after, I passed the CPA exam. At first, the company tried to hire a new manager from outside to take John's place. But after the second person didn't work out, I was offered the job. I was promoted to accounting supervisor and my salary increased to a comfortable amount.

6:08This made Jenny very happy because we could now afford a bigger house and nicer cars. Not long after we got married, Jenny found out she was pregnant and we welcomed twins one girl and one boy. At first, Jenny wasn't very excited about the news. She expressed her disappointment saying it was too soon. She wanted to travel and enjoy life before having kids. However, I was overjoyed. Thankfully, once our twins, Glenda and Mark were born, Jenny became a wonderful mother. For the first five and a half years, she stayed home with them. But once the children started kindergarten, Jenny wanted to go back to work. With a degree in English, she could only find a good job as an assistant at a law firm. When I found out which any was going to work, I worried she might find herself in complicated situations. I had read many stories about married women at law firms facing distractions, but thankfully that didn't happen. The lawyer she worked for was Clem Flint, one of the founders of the firm. He was a 55 year old man with a round belly. He also had a wife. He loved very much and five children. Mrs. Flint was a devoted Christian as were his partners

7:10and they would not tolerate any inappropriate behavior. Our marriage felt very strong and we were close spending time together three or four times a week. However, during our six year of marriage, I noticed that Jenny seemed different. One day, after she snapped at Glenda for forgetting to put a dish away, I decided to ask her about it. What's going on with you, Jenny? I said softly. You didn't have to go so far with her. It was just a dish for goodness sake. Jenny began to cry. It's not just about the dish. I feel so low because it seems like my life is passing me by and I haven't had a chance to truly live. It feels like I'm only a wife or a mom. There are so many places I want to visit that I'll probably never see. There are so many nice things we will be able to have. My life feels so difficult. I was surprised by Jenny's feelings about our life together. I thought she might be having a tough time and suggested we talk to a counselor, but she reacted strongly. I'm not crazy. I just wanted a better life. With that, Jenny left the room upset. For weeks, the kids, and I walked on eggshells.

8:11It was all bad though. Jenny would sometimes come back to herself and we would enjoy being a happy family for a few weeks. But then the unhappy side of Jenny would show up again. I believed that this was just a tough time and Jenny would eventually feel better. If she didn't, I promised to be with her for good then bad. I loved Jenny deeply and I thought she loved me too. Besides, we had our two wonderful kids and I knew Jenny loved them very much. They were fantastic children and I spent as much time as I could with them, especially during Jenny's mood changes. I felt really sorry for the kids because they didn't understand why mommy was sometimes sad or upset. So I tried hard to protect them from that and always reminded them that no matter how their mother acted, she still cared for them a lot. Many weekends, I planned outings around town with Mark and Blender. Sometimes Jenny would come with us but most of the time she stayed behind. The kids loved having their cheerful mom join us on trips but they felt more at ease when the sad mom stayed at home. Things were a bit tense at our house until the 4th of July picnic my company host every year. It was always a fun event for everyone

9:11and surprisingly, Jenny even looked forward to it that year. After that picnic, things at home improved a lot. Jenny's mood brightened and our relationship felt stronger. I couldn't have been happier but then came the New Year's Eve party at my office which turned everything upside down. Usually, Jenny and I didn't go to the New Year's Eve party. We weren't big drinkers and I enjoyed dancing more than she did. So for us New Year's Eve felt like an excuse for heavy drinking and silly behavior. Usually, we would take the kids off for dinner, get them ready for bed and then wash the ball drop before heading to bed together to welcome the New Year. This New Year's Eve was different because Jenny told me she really wanted to go out for the first time in years. She explained that we hadn't danced in a long time. This seemed a bit strange to me since Jenny wasn't the best dancer. Still, if she wanted to go to the party to dance, I was happy to go along. And when I saw the beautiful dress she wore, I felt excited about celebrating the New Year. When we got to the party, I was surprised to see Brad Calson, the owner of our company there. He usually only came to the 4th of July picnic.

10:12In fact, the last time we were at the picnic that was when Jenny met him for the first time. I noticed that everyone seemed a bit surprised to see the boss at this party. It seemed like he enjoyed the picnic, especially the volleyball and softball games. He played okay, but nobody wanted to tell him he wasn't as great as he thought. We had a few guys who had played baseball in college or the minors and a woman who had been on a full scholarship at a higher state for volleyball. After helping Jenny settle in, I went to get her some drinks. But by the time I returned, the music had started and Brad was asking my wife to dance. They danced for several songs before he brought her back to our table. When I asked Jenny to dance, she said she just wanted to take a break. But after a little while, Brad came back and she jumped up to dance with him for five songs in a row. I finally managed to get two dances with Jenny before she said she was too tired. About 15 minutes before midnight, Brad was back again. Jenny didn't even glance my way as she took his hand. I was really upset, but I didn't want to make a scene in front of my boss. I plan to talk to Jenny when we got home. I sat there feeling unsettled

11:13when someone announced it was almost midnight. I searched for my wife because I wanted to greet the new year with a special moment. But I was shocked when I saw Brad pull Jenny close. I anger bubbled up inside me and I marched over to where they were still together. I pulled Brad away from my wife and said formally, leave my wife alone. The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at us. No one had ever spoken to Mr. Calzon like that before. I didn't care that he was my boss. He had crossed a line and I was not going to let it slide. I didn't care if I lost my job. My heart raced and I could feel my face turning wet. I wasn't someone who usually confronted others, but if Brad pushed me further, I was ready to stand my ground. But he just had to slide, run on his face. Jenny, I think it's time to go home. I said through clenched teeth. I reached for Jenny's hand, but she pulled away. Mike, I'm sorry. Jenny said as she took Brad's hand. I'm going with Brad. It's just for tonight. We'll talk tomorrow. I was so shocked that I couldn't speak. Before I knew it, Brad and Jenny were gone and everyone was looking at me.

12:13It was the most embarrassing moment of my life. I left right away and went home. One day, after New Year's Day, when I woke up on New Year's Day, I had the worst headache I'd ever felt. Last night I had too much crying and drinking and not enough sleep. I was angry at everything. I thought about how to get back at Brad Calzon. I believed that he had influenced my wife into leaving with him. I was already practicing what I would say to her when she got home. There was no doubt that we would be spending a lot of time talking things out with someone who could help us. Even with everything that happened, I wanted Jenny back. I cared about her that much. I thought about ways to confront Brad, but the idea is that came to mind were too harsh. Each time I thought of one, I put it aside because I didn't want to get in trouble over someone like Brad. After three hours, my headache started to feel better. I called the babysitter and said I would come by in a couple of Ios to pick up Mark and Glenda. As I waited, I began to feel anxious. What if Jenny decided she wasn't coming back? That worry became real to me. What if she took the kids first? That would be a big problem for me.

13:13So I got dressed quickly and hurried over to make sure I could get my kids before Jenny had a chance. I wanted to talk to Jenny from a strong place. The kids were happy to see me but kept asking where their mom was. I had to hold back my tears in front of them. So after taking a deep breath, I made up a story. I told them that their mom had to go on a trip. They looked a bit sad until I suggested we go to Ahab for pancakes. While the kids ate, I began to list one on how we could move forward and another about getting a divorce. When I got home, I felt a mix of relief and disappointment because Jenny wasn't there. I wanted to make things right with her but I worried about what I might say or do. Then I noticed the answering machine blinking. It was a message from Jenny. She thought it would be best to wait a week to talk since I was feeling so upset. She mentioned that Brad needed someone to help him on a business trip and she was going to step in. I didn't believe her excuse. The only person making decisions would be Brad. I scrunched up the list on how to fix things between us and toss it in the trash. The sadness I felt right then was much worse

14:14than any pain I had ever experienced. No one can really know what it's like unless they have been let down by someone they cared for deeply. During this tough time, I understood how someone could lose control and how those they care about damaged things around them without thinking or even think about giving up on life. My mind was filled with these thoughts that just wouldn't go away. Eventually, I was able to push one side. I would never let go of my life because I loved my children far too much. The idea of leaving them to deal with the sadness I caused was awful to me, but other troubling thoughts kept coming along with new ones. Where Mark and Glenda really my kids. I easily agreed when the kids asked to play in the backyard. I needed this time to gather my thoughts and start planning for a new life. While they played, I began listing things I needed to do to keep myself and my children safe during the upcoming changes. The first thing on my list was to get a DNA test. I decided I would pick up a kit when we went out for a meal. I tried to think of everything I might need, but I knew I probably overlook some important details. So I called a friend who had gone through a divorce. I asked him if he could recommend a good lawyer.

15:15He said no to his lawyer, but suggested his ex-wife's lawyer instead. I asked for that lawyer's name and phone number. After a short search, he provided the information I needed. Skincare experts and dermatologists have often touted the benefits of indoor humidity as essential for healthy, glowing skin. But did you know dry air can start to harm your skin and as little as 30 minutes? For years, many people have relied on humidifiers for better skin, sleep and overall wellness. But traditional models, bulky, mulled-prone and difficult to maintain. That's where canopy humidifier comes in. Recommended by leading dermatologists, canopy is a completely reimagined humidifier, designed to elevate any space, offering the ultimate in skincare and wellness benefits. Canabies clean moisture, come that's dryness, dullness and fine lines, while strengthening the skin's barrier and boosting the effectiveness of topical skincare products. With its sleek design, canopy is the cleanest and easiest humidifier on the market. With its unique technology, cleaning is as easy as popping it in the dishwasher. Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your canopy humidifier purchase today

16:17with Canabies filter subscription. Even better, use code podcast to check out to save an additional 10% off your canopy purchase. Your skin will thank you. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along, which is why you should try Zippercruder for free. At zippercruder.com slash zip. Zippercruder doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, Zippercruder finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zippercruder get a quality candidate within the first day. Zippercruder, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try Zippercruder for free. That's right, free at zippercruder.com slash zip.

17:20That zippercruder.com slash zip. Zippercruder.com slash zip. His name was Tom Watson. He worked in an office with three other lawyers who focused on divorces, wills and states. Even though it was New Year's Day, I decided to call the office. I thought I could leave a message and someone would get back to me on Tuesday. To my surprise, a man picked up the phone and said Tom Watson. I realized I was speaking to the attorney I wanted. Before he could end the call, I told him about my situation. I think he was going to set up a meeting for me, but then I mentioned my wife's friend was Brad Calson. Suddenly, he became very interested. He asked if I could come to his office at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. I said I could, as long as I could find someone to look after my kids. Please bring your children with you, he said. They'll be helpful with what I have in mind. Before you come, I want you to gather all your financial records like bank statements, credit card bills, utility bills, and mortgage payments. I also need you to write down anything else you and Jenny spent over $100 on.

18:20Please bring birth certificates, your marriage license, social security numbers, tax returns from the years you've been together, and anything else important. After gathering everything I thought I might need, including a note from Jenny, I spent the rest of the day playing with the kids. Later, we went to Pizza Joes and I picked up the DNA test. After taking samples from the kids and myself, I took the kid to a federal express office. The DNA company said I would get the results in two days. I felt so relieved when I found out the test showed the children were mine. The next morning was a bit busy as I got the kids fed and ready. Before I left for my appointment, I called my job and told them I would take the rest of the week off. Tom Watson's office was bigger than I thought it would be. After we said hello, Tom took us into a nice conference room. I set Mark and glend up at the far end with their mini iPads so they could play educational games. Tom and I sat on the other side of the table. I got emotional twice while explaining how my wife left me for my boss on New Year's Eve. I still couldn't believe she has let me go so easily. Tom was very kind and listened well. He told me things would improve,

19:22but I was in too much pain to believe him. After I shared my struggles, Tom showed me a picture and slid it across the table. I wanted you to know something before you decided to hire me. This is a picture of my cousin Abby Carlson. She was once married to Joe Carlson, who was Brad Carlson's brother. Joe hurt my cousin by leaving her for someone else. I helped Abby with her divorce, but it was tough because Brad hired a strong team of lawyers. They overwhelmed me with papers and I didn't see it coming. I had just become a lawyer and thought everyone played fair. In the end, Abby didn't get what she should have. After five years, I managed to change part of the judgment. Since then, I've worked really hard to be the best family lawyer I can be. Even though I couldn't give Abby everything she deserved, my small win in Lloyd Brad. So, while I'm ready to take him on again, I want you to know that he will send his lawyers after you since I'm representing you, but I promise to do my very best for you. That's good enough for me, I said with confidence. Let's get started. It was nice to finally have someone supporting me and to feel like I was pushing back. For the next three hours,

20:22we went through all the papers I had brought. We talked about what I could expect and then Tom asked me what I really wanted from the situation. I wish none of this had ever happened, but since it did, I want to keep the house half of the assets, my retirement funds, no alimony and no child support. You might want to adjust your hopes, Tom said seriously, but I'll do my best to get you what you want. Are you aiming for full custody of the kids? I shook my head and explained. If Jenny doesn't want the kids, I definitely want them, but I know she loves them and will likely want full custody. I think joint custody would be fair. Well, I need to be honest, Tom said, looking concerned. Prepare yourself for the chance that she might get most of the custody. With Mr. Calson's resources and the possibility that he wants to marry your wife after the divorce, she could stay home to care for the kids. Unless you were planning to get married again and could prove that your wife is a stay at her mom, the best she might get as generous, visit in time with the children, but considering how difficult Carlson can be, they'll like a challenge you on that. This is really unfair, I said angrily. I haven't done anything wrong, but under one who is going to lose.

21:24When it comes to your kids, that seems true. On the bright side, if your wife marries Brad, you won't have to pay spousal support, but on the downside, you will still need to pay child support. I happily pay child support as long as I can see my kids. The last part of the meeting was Tom discussing things with Mark and Glenda while I waited outside. I'm not sure what they discussed in detail, but Tom looked happy when he came out with the kids. You must be a great dad, Tom's side as he took me aside, because your kids really care about you. They seem to care about their mom too, but not as much as they care about you. I left Tom's office feeling a bit better about my money situation, but I was still anxious about how much time I would get to spend with my children. Tom mentioned that he would prepare the divorce papers and request for temporary custody. We plan to inform my wife shortly after she returned from her work trip. It days later, Jenny called me that morning and asked if we could talk. I agreed and made sure the kids would be somewhere else. It looked like things were going as Tom had expected. I realized I could no longer hold onto the idea that Jenny wanted to fix things between us. Even though it hurt, I understood

22:24that some things couldn't be changed. Our marriage was over and Jenny was moving on. I wasn't surprised when she ran the bell. Tom had warned me something like this might happen. I made her wait and ring the bell two more times. When I finally opened the door, it was hard to keep my feelings under control. I didn't say anything. I just turned around and walked to the kitchen to grab a drink. When I sat down, Jenny asked where the kids were and it took effort not to lose my temper. Instead, I said calmly, so now you care about them. I know I deserve that. She said quickly, trying to ease the tension. But I really thought it would be very awkward for us to meet after how I left you on New Year's Eve. I'm sorry for that. We didn't plan for me to leave that night. I was going to tell you on New Year's Day but Brad wanted to leave sooner. Plus, the trip came up because he had an issue at one of his places. He convinced me that it would be better for you to have some space. Brad was completely right. I didn't understand it first, but after that trip, I realized he's my soulmate. Isn't it something that your soulmate is very wealthy? I said with a hint of sarcasm,

23:25I guess you're here to discuss our divorce. Let's just get to it so you can stop wasting my time. I have more important things to do. Jenny's face showed her frustration. You don't need to be rude. I don't really care about your opinion. Now Jenny was upset. She wasn't used to being spoken to like that. I don't have to stay here and take this. Then you can go. I said as I stood up and walked toward the backyard. I didn't really want her to leave, but given how I fell, it might be for the best. But it seemed my attitude had made her uneasy and she lost her boldness. No, we need to talk about this now. She fumbled in her purse and pulled out an envelope sliding it across the table. I opened it and started to read. Tom had been right again. The office Jenny made scene fair until I reached the last paragraph. At that moment, I felt a rush of frustration. I pushed the papers back toward her. You can tell Bad Calson to take this proposal somewhere else. I will never agree to him adopting my children and to offer me $100,000 for that feels disrespectful. Mike, Brad, and I can give the kids a much better life

24:25than you can. Forget it, Jenny. And forget her partner too. Mike, this is what's best for the kids she said trying to remain composed. I'll be a stay at home mom and they will be able to go to the best schools. They will live in a nicer home and have the chance to travel. These are things you cannot offer. But if it helps, Brad is willing to pay $250,000 for the adoption. Jenny, not only are you being unreasonable but you also don't understand. What part of no do you not understand? I'm sure Brad could raise his offer to $500,000. Jenny said quickly. That's probably more money than you'll have at once in your life. We barely get by with your paycheck. And remember, Brad is your boss and you could lose your job anytime. Even if he offered a million dollars, I wouldn't agree. I said trying to stay calm, even though I felt incredibly frustrated. I wanted to push Jenny out the door but that would ruin town's plan. I checked my watch and then turned back to Jenny. I've had some time to think about our marriage and what I've realized isn't good. You might believe everything is fine, but it's not.

25:27We had a decent life to get up for a while but for the past year you haven't been a good wife, mother or friend. We were managing well, but you often spent too much because you wanted the best of everything. I don't need handouts from Brad and if he's thinking about less. Skin care experts and dermatologists have often touted the benefits of indoor humidity as essential for healthy glowing skin. But did you know dry air can start to harm your skin and as little as 30 minutes? For years, many people have relied on humidifiers for better skin, sleep and overall wellness. But traditional models, bulky, mold prone and difficult to maintain. That's where canopy humidifier comes in. Recommended by leading dermatologists, canopy is a completely reimagined humidifier designed to elevate any space, offering the ultimate in skin care and wellness benefits. Cannabis clean moisture, come that striness, dullness and fine lines, while strengthening the skin's barrier and boosting the effectiveness of topical skin care products. With its sleek design, canopy is the cleanest and easiest humidifier on the market. With its unique technology, cleaning is as easy as popping it in the dishwasher. Go to getcanopy.co to save $25

26:29on your canopy humidifier purchase today with Cannabis filter subscription. Even better, use code podcast to check out to save an additional 10% off your canopy purchase. Your skin will thank you. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along, which is why you should try Zippercrooter for free. At zippercrooter.com slash zip. Zippercrooter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, Zippercrooter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zippercrooter get a quality candidate within the first day. Zippercrooter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try Zippercrooter for free.

27:30That's right, free. At zippercrooter.com slash zip. That zippercrooter.com slash zip. Zippercrooter.com slash zip. Let me go. I'll talk to the right people about it. Right now the court has given me custody of the kids because you've not been around. I didn't leave my kids, she replied frustrated. Just then the doorbell rang. That must be for you. I said with a slight smile as I went to answer it. I opened the door and saw a deputy sheriff waiting there. I stepped aside so he could see Jenny who was a bit behind me. He nodded and asked, are you Jenny Wilson? After she showed him her driver's license, he handed me an envelope and informed her that the papers have been delivered. I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as she read the divorce papers and then she hurried out clearly upset. She just left and she's been served at old Tom on my phone. You were civil, I hope. Tom asked. It was tough, but I was civil. Still Jenny left in tears after getting the papers, I said. I'm not sure what that was about. You were pretty spot on about what they'd offer,

28:30but they added one surprise that nearly made me lose Michael. It seems Brad Kelsen wants to adopt my kids. He can't do that, can he? That's a twist I didn't see coming, Tom replied. About the question of losing your rights as a parent, it would be very hard for them to do that unless they can sure you really can't take care of your child. So you need to be very careful about how you act around your wife and Brad. It's also a good idea to be with others who can support you if needed. I wouldn't be surprised if Brad tries to make up a story and gets others to agree with him. I know you're a good father, but just remember that they might try to twist even innocent things to make you look bad. Now that I understand their plans, we can get ready for it. Tom, does it ever get easier? I asked, feeling the sadness of Jenny leaving me hit me again. Yes, it does Tom abide right away. And if you are being honest with yourself, you'll see that you are not as heartbroken today as you were when your wife left. But remember, there will be good days and bad days for a while. I want to let you know that we might lose some small battles with Brad and Jenny as we move forward. But every time we do, we will come together

29:31and find new ways to fight back. As I used to say in the Sixth is Keeper Faith. During the week I took off from work, I followed Tom's advice and got everything ready financially. I opened new bank accounts and moved half of my money into them. I arranged for the twins to go into after school care. This school at a program where children could stay until 5.30. This worked well for me because I worked from 7 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. It gave me enough time to get home, do some chores and still have time with the kids. The week also allowed me to create a schedule with them. Jenny was pretty relaxed about things at home, especially when it came to bedtime. But I knew I needed to set up a stricter routine if it was going to work for us. I made sure the kids were clean, their teeth were brushed and they were in bed by 8 p.m. At first, they didn't want to go, but when I promised to read them two stores instead of one, they started looking forward to bedtime. Spending time with my children was really important to me. We grew closer and they didn't often ask about their mom. But one day, Mark asked if his mom would come back. I didn't want to hurt their feelings, but I also wanted to be honest.

30:33I told them the truth. Their mom had found someone new and wanted to be with him. She even wanted him to be their new dad. When both kids started to cry, I felt awful. I worried I might have shared too much, so I quickly reassured them that I would always be their dad. This made them feel better and they gave me two big hugs. When Saturday morning came, it was time to take the kids to their writing lessons. Even though their mom hadn't seen them in over a week, Mark and Glenda were very excited because they were going to miss dollars. The idea for the writing lessons had come for me and Jenny wasn't sure about it. Like many young girls, Glenda loved horses and wanted to learn how to ride. Mark just went along because he didn't want to miss out. But soon, Mark became a better writer than Glenda. Dala Lampson owned a horse farm that offered writing lessons. She was a great teacher and the kids really enjoyed her. She had a friendly smile and a lovely laugh, which made her easy to like. I liked her from the first time we met. Jenny jokingly said I liked her because she found my jokes funny and there was some truth to that. But really, Dala was just a delightful person.

31:36Where's Mrs. Wilson? Dala asked as I leaned against the fence by the corral. I'm getting a divorce from Wilson, I said plainly. I'm sorry to hear that. Dala responded quickly. I didn't want to intrude. It's okay, I reassured her. It is what it is. I hope we can keep the kids in their writing lessons. Right now, I have the kids, but my lawyer says the courts will probably give them on primary custody while I get to visit them. I'm going to fight for shared custody, but it doesn't look great. Why is that? Dala asked. Well, when the divorce is final, Jenny plans to marry her wealthy partner. Then she'll be a state home while I'll need to find babysitters. Plus, I work for the guy who took her away from me, Brad, so on top of everything, I expect to lose my job soon when he starts to put pressure on me. That wouldn't be Brad Kelsen, would it? Dala asks, narrowing her eyes. Yeah, do you know him? I haven't met him, but I've had the unfortunate experience of dealing with his lawyers. His property is next to mine, and he wanted two acres of my land without paying for it.

32:36He just wanted to make his property feel bigger compared to mine. All he did was plant a lot of trees and bushes. Honestly, if he had asked me, I would have helped. But Mr. Kelsen doesn't ask for things. He just takes what he wants. His lawyers kept sending letter after letter, and I couldn't afford to fight back. Besides, that line was mostly wet, and I didn't use it. After five months of legal issues, I thought I was wasting my money trying to keep land I didn't need, so I finally agreed that if he paid my lawyer's fees, I would give him the two acres. In the end, my property taxes went down a little. Still, the whole situation left me with a bad feeling about Brad Kelsen. I just hope I'm around when he finally gets what he deserves. Yeah, I feel the same way. Brad is really a piece of work. But my soon-to-be ex-wife has chosen him to be with. I wish to see both Brad and my wife face the truth eventually. I hope Brad will end things with her sooner rather than later. What will you do if Mr. Kelsen lets you go? That'll ask. I've already begun a new path. I'm a CPA, but I also work as an accountant for Mr. Kelsen.

33:39I've always done taxes and accounting on the side to earn extra money. Recently, I've gained three small businesses that need help with their finances. It's not enough to live on just yet, but I'm saving all the money I can for my regular job and my side work to prepare for when I lose my job. Right now, I'm working from home, but I'll likely need to sell this place once the divorce is completed. I'll need to find a new apartment, but it might not be the right place for starting a business, as said. Dollar replied gently, if you can handle my accounting work for what I'm paying now, I'd be glad to let you take over my business. I can't do that, I said quickly. If your accountant is doing well, there's no need to switch. Dollar laughs softly. I wouldn't know if they're doing well or not. They were the accountants for the ranch when my father passed away and gave me the property. They are one of the bigger accounting firms around Minter, Smith, and Zeller. They take care of my payroll and taxes, and I pay them $2,000 every month plus around $5,500 for my federal taxes. I don't know anyone there, and the one time I called with a question it took them a long time to respond.

34:39I took a quick look at Glenda and Mark. They were enjoying themselves, jumping their horses over a low barrier with their instructor running alongside. Then I turned back to Darla. Okay, if you're sure, I'll take a quick look at your books now. If I can do the work for a fair price, I'll add you to my list of clients. Darla smiled and led me into her office. She pulled out this user counting books and last year's tax return. I soon saw the fees from the other accountants were way too high. I can't charge you what they are, I told Darla with a grain. I couldn't charge you more than $750 a month and $2,000 for the tax returns. No Darla said shaking her head. I'd be okay with the same fees. No, that's not how I work. I think your current accountants are overcharging you. They might see your account as too small and not worry if you leave. I'll only take you on if I can charge you a fair price. Wow, I didn't expect that. Darla said, clearly thankful. That will really help me out. Since I took over the range three years ago, it's been tough. Saving $1250 a month will really help.

35:41Thank you. And of course, there will be no charge for Glenda and Mark's lessons from now on. I can't let you do that. I said, trying to resist. You didn't ask Darla replied with a smile. I'm telling you. Warning, the following Zippercruder radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words. When you're hiring, we at Zippercruder know you can feel frustrated for Lauren even. Like your efforts are futile and you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. F***. Fortunately, Zippercruder figured out how to fix all that. And right now, you can try Zippercruder for free at zippercruder.com slash zip. With Zippercruder, you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles fast, which is our absolute favorite effort. In fact, four out of five employers who post on Zippercruder get a quality candidate within the first day. Fantastic. So whether you need to hire four, 40, or 400 people,

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37:42get ready to meet first-rate talent. Just go to zippercruder.com slash zip to try Zippercruder for free. Don't forget that zippercruder.com slash zip. Finally, that zippercruder.com slash zip. Having done all this ranch as a client was a big boost but my divorce was just starting to get complicated. I knew it was going to be a long, rough journey. Even though Tom said things would improve, they really hadn't. Every week, there seemed to be another picture of Brad and Jenny in the paper enjoying their lives. It felt so unfair that Jenny looked so happy while I was struggling. Adding to my frustration was my inability to find a way to confront either of them. I felt lonely and overwhelmed. Two to eight weeks after my divorce began, my day started off well when I received a call from Harvey's hardware asking me to handle their accounting. But after that, the day took a turn for the worse. When I got to work, I found out that I'd been let go. I wasn't shocked and part of me felt a bit relieved. Things had been really uncomfortable since the new year's Eve party. Even though no one said anything directly to me, conversations seemed to stop as soon as I worked in.

38:43Still, losing my job felt heavy on my heart. Brad was still in control of everything. Tom already had the papers ready to file for a wrongful termination case. He told me, though, that it would be a long and tough fight that could take a lot of time. But Tom sent out a press release about my situation with Brad, which I had made my old boss very angry. The day got even worse when Tom called me a few hours later to say that the judge had decided that Jenny would have joined custody starting that evening. I was heartbroken until Tom explained that it wasn't all bad. The kids would stay in the house and Jenny could also live there. Understanding how awkward it would be, she decided not to take that option. Instead, she picked up the kids every day after school and expected me to take them at night. It was really tough for me because I had to see Jenny and Brad each evening when I picked up Glenda and Mark. Jenny seemed to enjoy showing how content she was. She would exchange pleasantries with Brad, which made me feel really down and it confused the kids too. I thought things couldn't get any worse, but that was not true. Once Jenny got showed custody, how lawyers started trying to change the kids' main home to Brad's house.

39:44They claimed that I had prevented Jenny from seeing the kids and that I was trying to turn the children against her. When I found out, Tom quickly filed a complaint with the court stating that I had never prevented Jenny from seeing the kids. He suggested that the judge talk to the children since they spoke to their mother almost every night. One question the kids always asked was, when are you coming to see us, mommy? Luckily, the judge decided that the children would stay where they were for the time being. However, he did not address the accusations made against me. This made Tom uneasy because he felt the judge was not fully focused on this divorce case. Still, he noted that the judge had many other cases to handle. Then the judge changed his decision, stating that each of us would take care of the kids for two weeks at a time. In his wisdom, he decided that the children would move back and forth between our two homes. At first, I thought it would be very difficult for Jenny since the kid's school was quite far from Brad's house, but I didn't realize how clever Jenny and Brad could be. I was about to learn a lot about Jenny. I should have realized when she left me at the New Year's Eve party to go home with Brad that I didn't really know her at all.

40:45Honestly, I don't think Jenny knew herself either. It's tough to let go when you love someone so much, but when Jenny picked up Glenda and Mark for the first time, where she said to me, froze me. Jenny looked nervous but determined. Once the kids were in the car and outside of hearing range, she turned to me. Please don't make this divorce hard. I still care about you and I don't want Brad to cause you any distress. If you let Brad adopt the kids, I'll make sure you get to see them regularly. But you need to understand that I won't let you harm my relationship with Brad. While I shook my head, I thought you were just being unfaithful, but I see now that you have a plan. You think I get regular visits? That's hard to believe. Forget you, I said. I turned him what back toward the house. Then I heard her say, you've been warned from behind me. As soon as Jenny left, I called Tom to tell him what had happened. Tom wasn't surprised. I told you to be ready for trouble from Brad. Have you set up the cameras in your house yet? The outside cameras will be ready tomorrow. For now, I have one in my bedroom, one in the kid's room,

41:45and another in the hallway to the bathroom. There's also one in the family room and one in the kitchen. Tomorrow, they'll put up cameras in the front and backyard. That's about all we can do for now, Tom said, sounding pleased with the progress. But remember, Brad's lawyers might try to say you're not treating him well. The camera should help show the truth. The days that Mark and Glenda spent with Jenny would have. Brad had a very busy social life. He and Jenny often appeared in the newspaper or on TV. The kids were often with Jenny if there was an event in the afternoon. In all the pictures I saw, Jenny looked very happy and the kids seemed excited to be with her. Each picture made me feel a little sadder. I felt like I couldn't match Brad's wealth. It felt like he was slowly taking my children away. On Monday of the eighth week after Jenny left, things took a turn. Around nine o'clock that morning, I received a call from the kids' school saying that Mark and Glenda were not there. I quickly called Jenny. Are the kids sick? I asked were. No, why would you think that? Jenny replied, sounding a bit smug. The school called and said they weren't there.

42:47Oh, that Jenny replied dismissively. I've moved them to Chesterton Elementary. It's a better school and it's only five minutes from my house she said. You can do that. I replied, feeling frustrated. I can and I did. She shot back, then hung up the phone. I called Tom, but my worries didn't fade. He told me we would fight against the change, but the judge might allow it because the new school had better readings. I was beginning to realize that the courts often tried to do what they believe was best for the children, even if it sent a confusing message. In this situation, the message was that their mother could make decisions without concern while the father felt he had no control. As my feelings of sadness grew, Tom warned me that worse things might happen. He urged me to stay alert because he believed this was just the beginning of more challenges from Brad and Jenny. He was completely right and I was thankful that Tom had pushed for me to install the security cameras and send the footage to the security company and online storage. On Tuesday, Tom filed a complaint about the school change. We had to wait three weeks for a hearing, but on Wednesday, Jenny's lawyers made a serious accusation against me, claiming I had harmed our daughter.

43:48I was furious and it took all of Tom's coming words to keep me from confronting Brad and Jenny. However, two things happened, but I felt that only one of them turned out well. An emergency hearing was set up, but I was not allowed to see the kids until an investigation was completed. I couldn't even have supervised visits because there were discussions about taking legal action against me. Tom quickly got a call in order to find out more about the accusation. He wanted Jenny to explain when this incident supposedly happened where it took place and what exactly occurred. At first, Jenny's lawyers disagreed saying it would upset the children. Luckily for me, the judge did not accept their argument. He had seen this tactic too many times before. Let me be very clear. Mr. Sillis, the judge, said firmly while looking directly at Jenny's lawyer. I take these claims very seriously. If they are proven true, I will ensure Mr. Wilson faces all the consequences under the law and he won't see his children until they are routine. However, if I find out that your client is trying to mislead me, it will not go well for Mrs. Wilson. I expect you to provide Mr. Watson with a full account of the when, where and what of this alleged behavior.

44:49Is that clear, Mr. Sillis? Jenny's lawyer looked a bit worried and nodded. I also noticed that the smile Jenny had earlier was gone. The next day, Mr. Sillis sent an email with a list of dates times and locations of the alleged incidents. He did not give any details about what had occurred. I was very angry that they were still causing trouble and trying to hurt my life, but Tom promised me that we had enough evidence to prove them wrong. There were six times mentioned, all in the evening, occurring in the bathroom and the kid's bedroom. Tom quickly asked the security company to check the video for any footage related to bath time and the bedroom. The hallway camera clearly showed the twins taking their baths each night and I was there to hand them a towel when they got out of the tub. In the bedroom, it showed that I prepared their pajamas and they got dressed on their own. Then I would read them two stories before putting them to bed, giving each a hug. Everything was completely fine. The emergency hearing started with the judge giving a strong speech against anyone who would harm a child. Okay, Mr. Sillis, you've made a serious claim, so what proof do you have? The children spoke to their mother at the attorney replied,

45:52given the seriousness of the situation, we took quick action to protect them. Mr. Watson, the judge has Tom. What does your client say about this? Your honor, both my client and I say that the claim is completely false and when we prove it, we want the court to take action against Mrs. Watson. If it's all right, I would like to show several videos from able security. At my vice, Mr. Wilson set up cameras inside and outside his home because I was worried about such an unfair claim being made. Mr. Sillis stood up right away. Your honor, this is very unusual and questionable. How can we be sure that these videos are real? The judge's side in frustration. Clearly, Mr. Sillis, you are not familiar with the security system, Mr. Wilson has in his home. The video recorded in Mr. Wilson's houses. Wilson's house is cameras that send the video straight to able security. The company keeps the recordings for a year. As I remember, the videos might also be stored online. Only two company officials can access these videos with special codes. It's a safe setup and I feel confident in it. When the videos were reviewed,

46:53the judge could see that nothing had happened at the time Jenny claimed. This made the judge unhappy. He asked for the children who had been waiting outside to come into his office. After speaking with the kids for about 20 minutes, both the judge and my children came out. They returned to wait in the hallway with a babysitter that Jenny had brought along. After speaking with the children, I've decided to consider this a misunderstanding. Blanda admitted that she told her mother something that was true. When I asked her to explain, she said he would show them affection in the morning and then give them warm gestures before they left for school. He would do the same when they came home and again before bedtime. Even though I think Mrs. S. Wilson should have looked into it more, I will let it pass this time as a misunderstanding. But was S. Wilson be careful? If it happens again, I won't take it lightly. Your honor, Mr. Siller stood up. Since we're here, could you decide on this cool change? Yes, that's a fair request. The judge replied thoughtfully. After looking at both schools, I agree with Mrs. Wilson that chested in elementary is the better choice. I even asked the children and they said they enjoyed the school.

47:54I avoided a big problem, but lost an important battle. The loss was worse than I first realized. Mike, I'll be honest with you, the judge's decision was not favorable. It nearly ensures that Jenny will have primary custody of Glenda and Mark. Two good things came from the hearing today. First, you won't have to go to jail and be separated from your kids. Second, since they couldn't prove that child abuse charge, you'll at least get to see them. I know how this goes, I said, feeling frustrated. Jenny will find ways to make my visits difficult. We'll go to court and they'll tell her to stop. But she and that guy will just think of something new to get in my way. Is there anything I can do to push back? Tom shook his head. Unless he moves school district and get married, I don't see the judge changing anything. Warning, the following Zippercruder radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words. When you're hiring, we at Zippercruder know you can feel frustrated. For Lauren even, like your efforts are futile and you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine.

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49:56Fuck. Fortunately, Zippercruder figured out how to fix all that. And right now, you can try Zippercruder for free at zippercruder.com slash zip. With Zippercruder, you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on Zippercruder get a quality candidate within the first day. Fantastic. So whether you need to hire four, 40, or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to zippercruder.com slash zip to try Zippercruder for free. Don't forget that zippercruder.com slash zip. Finally, that zippercruder.com slash zip. That's Saturday I had the kids and we went to their horseback riding lessons. Usually I loved watching them ride and chatting with Dala, but today I felt really down. My life felt like a mess. I had lost my wife and my jaw and it felt like her life was going well while mine was falling apart. Now she was planning to take my kid away and it just didn't seem fair.

50:58She had made mistakes, yet I was the one facing the consequences. Hey, Mike, Dala said as she joined me on the bench. You seem really down. Things can't be that bad, right? I explained to Dala that once my divorce from Jhania was finalized, the kids probably wouldn't come for their lessons anymore. I told her that to have a chance at sharing custody, I would need to move into the chest at an area and get married, but I didn't see myself getting married in a time soon. I also couldn't afford to move to Marion County. No offense, Mike, but your wife is really difficult. Dala said, she's been rude to me since she first enrolled her kids. When she came in and gave me attitude, I almost asked her to leave, but then I saw the look on Glenda's face and I couldn't go through with it. I gave a sad laugh. No hard feelings, I understand completely. We sat quietly for a bit and then Dala straightened up. Hey, I have an idea. My house and part of this land are in Marion County in the Chesterton school area. How about you move in here and we say we're a couple? That way you'll be in the same level as your wife. I looked at Dala with a smile at first,

51:59but then I started to think about what she said. The more I considered it, the more it seemed like a good plan. So I asked Dala to come with me to my next meeting with Tom to share the idea. He shot it done right away. Mike, I know you're in a tough spot, but pretending won't work. You need a real marriage certificate. If they find out you're not being honest, they could give Jenny full custody. I felt really let down, but Dala didn't give up. What if we really got married? Wilson's living situation as he is currently in a temporary arrangement. To all that and exchange word glances. While Mr. Wilson is indeed facing challenges, let's not overlook the fact that he's actively working to improve his situation. Tom interjected trying to maintain an optimistic tone. He has plans to establish a stable and come through his accounting business which he will operate from a dedicated space in his new living arrangement. Drew, Mr. Seal is replied, shifting his gaze. But living arrangements are crucial in determining stability for the children. We believe it would be more beneficial if they were situated in a permanent residence, especially since their education is a stake.

52:59The meeting continued with discussions about schedules and responsibilities for both sides. Despite the tense atmosphere, I noticed Dala's assurance in my corner and it encouraged me to remain hopeful. Later, as we walked out of the courthouse, Dala's quees my hand gently, offering a silent pledge of support. We'll figure this out together, she said, her voice steady and reassuring. Just keep your focus on what really matters. A confidence in me helped lift my spirits as we navigated the complexities of our situation and I found comfort in the partnership we had forage despite the challenges ahead. Wilson's mental wellbeing. Objection, Tom shouted as he stood up quickly. The judge gave Mr. Seal as a stern look and signal for Tom to sit down. Mr. Seal is, do you have evidence that Mr. Wilson's mental state poses a risk to the children? Not specifically, your honour, Mr. Seal is replied softly. Then let's avoid that topic. The judge said firmly. In summary, Mr. Seal is continued smoothly. Jenny Wilson and Brad Coulson planned to marry soon after Mrs. Wilson's divorce is finalized. Coulson lives in the chest at his gold district and has a lot of resources.

53:59Mrs. Wilson will stay at home with the children. Because of this, we believe that giving full custody to Mrs. Wilson is best for the kids. After Mr. Seal is sick as Seed again, Tom stood up. I want to correct some wrong information that Mr. Seal is shared during this meeting. First of all, Mr. Wilson is not struggling to pay his bills. I'm providing his financial statements to show that Mr. Wilson can pay his bills and take care of his children. If Mr. Wilson had any financial issues, it would be due to Mr. Coulson of fairly letting him go. We have filed a complaint against Mr. Coulson's parents' company with the Yoke and we hope for a good outcome once the case is settled. Besides that, Mr. Wilson has started his own accounting business. I have attached the business financial statements and you will see it as doing well and growing. Also, Mr. Wilson is engaged to Darla Lampson and now lives in her home in the Chesterton School District. They plan to marry once his divorce is finalized. Therefore, we kindly ask that Mr. Wilson be given either primary custody or at least shared custody. As Tom sat down, I looked over at Jenny. She looked surprised.

54:59Brad was upset and Mr. Seal seemed annoyed. That gave me a great feeling that I hadn't hidden a while. We had clearly caught them off guard. I want to talk to the children for a bit before I make my decision. The judge said signaling to the billiff. I felt a tight knot in my stomach growing larger and doing flips. The judge spoke with the children for about 20 minutes. When they came out, they looked a bit confused. But as soon as they spotted me, they waived. I smiled them, waived back, which made them both smile too. They paused and hugged their mother before leaving the courtroom. Figuring out custody when both parents care for their children is the hardest part of my job. The judge said, it is very tough when I have to choose one parent over the other, but in the end, I must do what is best for the children. The judge took a short break as he looked at a piece of paper from his folder. I glanced over at the other side of the courtroom and saw smiles on Jenny Brad and Mr. Seal's faces. My heart sank. It looked like she was going to win again. As I mentioned, I have to find what is best for the children. The judge continued. In this case, both parents can take care of the children,

56:01sport their schooling and of stable lives. The main factor here was what the children wanted. After talking with them, I found out that they wanted to spend time with both of their parents. I am giving shared custody of Glenda and Mark Wilson to their parents. The children will stay with each parent for two weeks. This will start the Sunday. Since Mrs. Wilson already has the kids, she will keep them first. In two weeks, Missor Wilson will pick them up. Their homes are only five to 10 minutes apart, so this will be easy for both parents. The transfer will happen by 2 p.m. every Sunday, every two weeks. Now, is there anything else to discuss? When no one spoke, the judge said the divorce would be final in 30 days and hit the gabbell. They had already agreed on how to divide their property, splitting everything evenly. The house was for sale and should sell quickly. After all the costs, Jenny, and I would each receive about $6,000. I knew this would be easy for Jenny, but it would help me have some extra money if I needed it. I felt really happy, but I wanted to act like this was what I expected all along. In the hallway, I hugged the kids.

57:03Then I walked over to a journey and Brad were upset with Mr. Silas but the judge's decision. Mr. Silas was trying to explain that there was much he could do, but he wasn't getting far. Excuse me, Jenny, I said with a grin. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to check when I can pick up the kids two weeks from Sunday. This isn't finished, you know, Brad said angrily. Whatever Brad, I replied, brushing him off. I just want to know when I can see the kids. I don't want to get in trouble. If you'd rather, we could meet somewhere like McDonald's. The judge said to PM and that when it will be until our lawyers change it, Jenny said sharply. You really have reached a low point. I mean, marrying Ms. Piggies just like trying to get share of custody. That last comment was really out of line and it made me mad. So I snapped back. You were one to talk. You're marrying your grandpa. You're unbelievable, Brad shouted. Step outside and I'll make you regret it. I didn't want to engage with Brad. He was taller and heavier than me, but I was frustrated. So I kept going, don't you need to get your cane from your cough first. Brad charged at me,

58:04but I quickly moved out of his way. Jenny must have seen that things were getting heated. So she grabbed Brad's arm at the same time. Mr. Sillis stepped in front of us, Mr. Calson. Please, he said urgently, if you harm Mr. Wilson, the court might give him full custody of the kids, please Brad. Jenny urged. Suddenly, I noticed my two kids hugging my leg and shouting at Brad. Don't hurt our daddy. Jenny shot me an angry look but quickly turned to the kids. It's okay, kids. Mr. Calson and dad were just having a disagreement. Calson, I have a different way of showing I care. It's not always about money. It's about spending time together and making memories. Yeah, but we have fun at their house, Glen said. And I'm glad you do, I reply, trying to keep my tone light. But remember, fun comes in many forums. I want to make sure we enjoy our time together too. We can have adventures without needing a lot of stuff. Dollar chained in, supportive as ever. Your dad loves you both very much. It's important to appreciate all the little moments we share as a family. The kids listened, a mix of understanding and uncertainty in their expression. It was a tough conversation,

59:05but I wanted them to know that love wasn't measured by material possessions. As they visit went on, I focused on creating joyful experiences together, whether it was cooking dinner, playing games, or simply enjoying each other's company. I hope these moments would help them see that our connection was strong, regardless of what anyone else said. The following weeks, I tried to stay positive, reminding myself that it was natural feelings to be complicated after everything that happened. I miss my life before, but I knew I had to keep moving forward from my children's sake. As I watched them grow, I realized that love can manifest in various ways. It was my job to show them the value of sincerity of a superficiality, teaching them that happiness didn't always come from what you had, but rather from who you shared your life with. Carlson, I don't have much money. All I can do is love you both. If getting all those gifts is all that matters to you, then maybe I shouldn't bring you to the ranch anymore. Blender started to cry. No daddy, I don't want to be with mommy all the time. I want to be with you too, he said. Me too, my reply to your start into forming his eyes. I'm not sure what the kid- Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees,

1:00:07but I don't really need it. Infliction is killing me. Who cares? Big retailers and making record profits. That's why we support the German martial credit card bill. See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. When this bill would cut the vital resources they need. While increasing Megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they? Tell Congress, stop the German martial money grab for corporate megastores paid for by the electronic payments coalition. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along, which is why you should try Zip Recruiter for free. At ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Zip Recruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of, hey,

1:01:09Zip Recruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zip Recruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Zip Recruiter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try Zip Recruiter for free. That's right, free at ziprecruiter.com slash zip. That ziprecruiter.com slash zip ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Set to Jenny when they returned, but it made her very upset and she rushed over to the ranch. Why remark and gland upset with me? She shouted when I opened the door. I didn't want to argue with her. So I just said, go away, Jenny, and close the door. That was just the start. After that, Jenny began planning special trips for the kids while I had them for two weeks. The first trip was to Disney World. They really wanted to go and beg me until I finally agreed. This became a regular thing every few months and it really bothered me. It was Dala who suggested a way to handle Jenny. The next time the kid tasked to go to New York City, I agreed but proposed we switch weeks instead.

1:02:11When Jenny said no, the kids were disappointed with her, not me. During a tough time in my life, I was feeling really stressed and unhappy. Luckily, I had great friends to help me. Dala was always there to lift my spirits when I felt like I was falling apart. I also had two other good friends, John and Almsmith. Yes, Jenny's parents became strong supporters of mine. When Jenny married Brad, she left out her own parents from the wedding. She felt uncomfortable with her decision and didn't want any distractions on her special day. When I heard about this, I invited them to the ranch in the same day as to wording for a barbecue. Dala made sure that John and Alms Dave for the weekend. We had a wonderful time together and I found out that John had served in the Vietnam War. He had been hurt three times but made it through the war. He returned home with some injuries that made a challenging for him to work. He could do the job, but employers were put off by his three missing fingers and the scars on his face. They thought he would be too much of a risk. I was amazed when Alms told me he had earned three purple hearts, the bronze star and the silver star. This man was truly brave, yet Jenny felt uncomfortable

1:03:13with him. That was when my feelings for Jenny started to fade. After that, we often invited them over for at least one weekend when the kids were with me. Jenny would not invite her parents to her new home or visit them at theirs. It hurt to see how Denny treated her parents. At least Mark and Glenda got to know their grandparents because of our visits to the ranch. I also learned that John had grown up on a cattle ranch. He was a real cowboy before the war and he even got me to start learning how to ride. That opened up a whole new world for me to spend time with my kids. As the months went by, I read many books about divorce and how to share parenting. One helpful piece of advice I found was to choose experiences for my children instead of just buying them things. Dala was excellent at coming up with fun activities. We visited all the local attractions when camping, bold and even played miniature golf many times. Dala also got involved with a local charity group to organize a mini-rodo. To make it even more enjoyable for the kids, she let them help with the planning. Glenda and Mark were really excited about seeing their first rodeo, especially when they found out they would lead the parade through town.

1:04:14However, Jenny tried to distract the kids by suggesting a trip to Disneyland in California. But Mark and Glenda Fermi said no, they didn't want to miss their first rodeo. It became a popular yearly event after that. In the first year after the divorce, Jenny tried hard to win the kids over. She often made little comments about me that weren't very kind. Sometimes she would get the kids to skip some days with me to spend time with her and Brad instead. Even though it hurt when they chose to be with them other more, I never let them see how I felt. Every night this day with me, I made sure to read them two books before bed. As they got older, I moved on to chapter books and read a couple of chapters each night. I kept this up until they reached the fifth grade. Even though we didn't share a bed, living with Dorlo was nice. She was always cheerful and kind, making it enjoyable to be around her. Working from her office, I was able to grow my accounting business. At the end of my first year, I was earning about 70% of what I used to make working for Brad. Even after a year since the divorce, Jenny was still trying to win the kid favor over me. But by now, Brad understood

1:05:14that I would never let him adopt my children. Because of this, he started to care less about them. He was still nice to them, but they felt like just someone else's kids to him. Brad began to take up more of Jenny's time. He wanted her to be with him when he traveled abroad. If it was her turn to have the kids, they went along on the trips. At first, I didn't want Glenda and Mark to leave the country. I had heard scary stories about parents taking kids away and going to places where they couldn't be brought back. Jenny kept asking me to let the kids go on their first overseas trip. It was Dala who helped me see that, even though Brad was difficult, he wouldn't want the trouble that would come from people thinking he took my kids away. So I finally agreed. Glenda and Mark had a great time on their trip and talked excitedly about it for days. After that, the remortraits with the kids going abroad with their mother. One time, Brad's trip got extended and I thought Jenny would keep the kids with her. Instead, she surprised me by sending them home on a flight and I picked them up at the airport. The first anniversary of my divorce pass without me even noticing. It was them till Tom called one day to check on me that I realized my wedding anniversary

1:06:16had gone by without me saying anything to Dala. In that moment, I had to agree with Tom. Most of the sadness, loneliness, and anger I felt were mostly gone. There was still a little leak from time to time, but Jenny had mostly faded into the background of my mind. However, I felt really bad about not getting Dala gift for our anniversary. I knew that my relationship with Dala wasn't a traditional marriage, but she had been very kind to me so I decided to get her flowers and take her out to dinner. I didn't think much of it at the time, but Dala smiled brightly for days after. As we approached the 18 month mark, I noticed a Dala started to feel different. She was never rude, but it was clear she seemed a bit downcast. I thought maybe I was overstaying my welcome so I began searching for a new place to live. Even though the care of children didn't seem to be a big problem lately, I didn't want to take any risks. I looked everywhere until I found a townhouse to rent. It had three bedrooms and two bathrooms along with a garage for one car. But most importantly, it was in the Chesterton school district. I really didn't want to move. I enjoyed living on the ranch and working from the den have been great.

1:07:17Plus, I liked being around Dorella. She had always been cheerful and positive, especially before the last few weeks when things changed. With my support, Dala had even expanded the ranch. She gained an extra 200-hiker as of Mosey Rocky Hills. The trails in these hills were very popular for people who wanted to ride outside of a caral. It was a great spot for groups to escape for a weekend to ride, rest, and cook at doors. Many companies loved to use this location for team building events. I then encouraged Dala to start offering some accounts for kids. His camp became very popular and Dala had a higher extra help to manage them. After that, she built a dozen cabins for adults who wanted to experience life on a real-horse ranch. I helped her arrange the funding for this project. What again, as a small business for Dala turned into one that earned her almost $200,000 a year after taxes. My own business grew as well, and I started using the den and the utility room for my work. I had a receptionist in one account and helping me. My earnings were about 70% higher than what I made when I worked for Brad. I had almost forgotten about it,

1:08:18but Brad's company finally reached an agreement for the wrongful termination case. Tom thought I should ask for a bigger amount, but I preferred to settle it quickly. They paid me $250,000. Even though Tom was supposed to get a third, I decided to give him half. I saved the other half to buy a new home and set up an office. The night before the 18th month, I shared my plans while the kids were with their mother. Dala, I want to thank you very much. I started feeling a wave of sadness. You helped me when I thought I would lose Mark and Glenda. I know this has been a big burden on you, but it truly saved me. Our agreement ends tomorrow, so I found a place to stay for a little while until I can buy a house. I hope it's okay if I keep using the den for another month since I haven't finalized the lease from my office yet. I plan to get that sorted out by next week. I wasn't sure how Dala would react. Maybe I hoped for some relief, but instead she started crying and ran to her bedroom. I was shocked and didn't know what to do. I knocked on her door, but she didn't answer. That night, as I lay in bed, I felt really troubled. Even though Dala and I were married,

1:09:20we had never been close in the way couples usually are. I genuinely cared for her. She was everything that Jenny wasn't. But while living in her home, I was worried about upsetting her, so I kept my distance. Aside from some hugs and friendly gestures, we mostly stayed apart. I planned to talk to her in the morning, but then, around midnight, a terrible thunderstorm started. The lightning struck very close to the house. One strike was so loud that it shook the house and woke me up. A moment later, my bedroom door opened and Dala came in. Mike, I'm really scared of thunderstorms, she said softly. Can I stay with you? A chorus I replied, lifting the blanket for her. Feeling cold, Dala snuggled up next to me. She looked a bit vulnerable and I sensed her in knees. I'm really afraid of the thunder and lightning, she whispered, shaking a little. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. In that tense moment, we felt a warmth and connection that brought us closer together. Breathless, if locked down beside the woman I had been married to for a year and a half, and we had hardly shared a deep conversation. Dala, I'm not sure if it's love,

1:10:21but I know I never want to be apart from you. I said as I tried to catch my breath. At first, I just saw us as friends, but my feelings for you have grown stronger every month. Lately, I've wanted more, but I was scared you didn't feel the same. I was worried you might end things if I said anything. Oh, Mike, I've cared for you almost since the first time we met, but you were with Jenny and I knew how much she loved her. Then, after she left you, when we made the plan to pretend to be married, I thought maybe I had a chance. But tonight, when you said you were leaving, it broke my heart. I love you so much. I'll be a great partner. Please give me a chance. I won't leave unless you want me to. I replied gently. This is my home and you are my wife now and forever. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along, which is why you should try Zip Recruiter for free. At ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Zip Recruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you.

1:11:21It finds them for you. It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So, while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, Zip Recruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zip Recruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Zip Recruiter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try Zip Recruiter for free. That's right, free. At ziprecruiter.com slash zip. That ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along, which is why you should try Zip Recruiter for free. At ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Zip Recruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you.

1:12:22It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, Zip Recruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zip Recruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Zip Recruiter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try Zip Recruiter for free. That's right, free. At ziprecruiter.com slash zip. That ziprecruiter.com slash zip. Ziprecruiter.com slash zip. 18 months to 10 years after the big change, after that night with dollar, we woke up to a bright sunny day with no clouds inside. Suddenly, I felt a big shift in how I viewed my life. I had gone through a tough betrayal, but now I found myself in a better place than I ever thought I would be. The hurt, anger, and loneliness were gone. I could think of Jenny without feeling her tightness in my heart. I'd finally moved on from my ex-wife and felt nothing.

1:13:23Would have felt like a fake marriage turned into a real and loving one. I decided that dollar and I should go on a honeymoon. I asked her where she wanted to go to celebrate our new love for each other. I thought she might say somewhere like Paris or Hawaii. I would have even guessed Las Vegas, but she surprised me by wanting to go somewhere else. Instead, dollar wanted to go to Montana. Why Montana? I asked her. My dad always told me stories about the ranch he worked on in Montana. He loved it there and had experienced made him want his own ranch someday. So when he moved to Texas, he bought this place. The land was a lot cheaper back then. I've always wanted to see Montana, but I didn't want to go alone. Why didn't he just buy a ranch in Montana? I asked. Because he didn't like the winters there. So we spent two weeks in Montana exploring the state and even stayed a week at a working ranch. Dollar got a lot of ideas for her own ranch, but the best part of the trip was the cozy evenings we spent together and enjoying each other's company. The kids were excited to see us when we picked him up. Then they told me something that bothered me.

1:14:24Jenny and Brad had gone to Eastern Europe because Brad was opening four new factories in three different countries. While they were away, they had someone come to look after Glenda and Mark. The kids were not happy with a 50-year-old sitter who only allowed them to go to school, do homework and watch a bit of TV. The sitter couldn't swim, so they couldn't even play in the pool. When Jenny picked the kids up after two weeks, I asked her about it. Jenny, the kids mentioned that you and Brad went to Europe and left them with a sitter. That's not your concern, Mike, so drop it. I held up my hands, showing I meant no harm. I'm not trying to cause trouble. I just wanted to say that if you need to travel again, we would be happy to take care of the kids instead of getting a sitter. We were away this time, so we couldn't help. I'm just saying it's an option. The custody plan is very clear. Two weeks here with you and two weeks with Brad and me, Jenny said with a sharp tone before telling the kids to get in a car. The next day, I called Tom and shared what I talked about with Jenny and my suggestion. He told me to wait until it happened again. It could have just been a one-time event.

1:15:24It happened again six weeks later. I found out when I called the kids. Jenny and Brad were away for a week on another trip. At that point, Tom started the process to change the custody plan. When Jenny came back from Europe, she called me clearly upset. She had seen a notice for a court hearing about changing the custody plan. Jenny made it very clear that she would never agree to any changes. Tom warned me that the court might lean in her favor. Still, I felt strongly about moving forward. Jenny's lawyer, Mr. Sealis, did not seem pleased to be in court today. It struck me as odd that Brad was absent and only Jenny was present. Your honor, this is just a waste of time. Mr. Sealis said for me. The custody plan has been working well for almost two years. My client sees no reason to change it now. Your honor, we only want what's best for the kids Tom replied explaining his thoughts. We know that Mr. Carlson travels a lot and naturally wants his wife to join him. All we ask is for Mrs. Carlson to let the kids stay with their father while she's away. If Mrs. Carlson returns before her two weeks or up, the children can go back home with her whenever she likes.

1:16:27Mr. Sealis, do you have anything to add? The judge asked looking over his glasses. The custody plan has been working well and Mrs. Carlson has Carlson wanted things to stay the same. The judge looked between the two sides. All right, this is straightforward. I agree with Mr. Sealis that this custody plan is going well. I understand that Mrs. Carlson will be traveling with her husband a lot. However, it doesn't make sense to keep the kids from their father when their mother is away. So I will approve Mr. Wilson's request to change the custody agreement to suggest. I was shocked by how quickly the judge made a decision and even more surprised that it was in my favor. But when I saw the anger on Jenny's face a new trouble was coming. Why are you being so difficult? Jenny confirmed to me in the hallway after the hearing. Jenny, I don't get why you're upset, but I'm done with it. What's the problem? You're not here so why can't the kids stay with me? From what of Herard? It must be much more enjoyable for Glenda and Mark than being with the strict babysitter you hired. That's not fair, Mike. She snapped at me and walked away. Do you know what's going on with her?

1:17:27I asked Tom. I can only guess he replied. I think Jenny doesn't like not having control, but more importantly, she worries that the kids might prefer spending time with you. You might be right, I said with a sigh. Jenny keeps trying to turn the kid against me and she always makes me wait when I pick them up. I just don't get it. Jenny has everything she wants. Why does she keep bothering me? Because she can, Tom said with a grin. Come on, let's grab some lunch. Two years after that first night as a married couple, Dala and I welcomed a little girl we named Wendy. We had a little boy named Stephen 18 months later. Dala was a wonderful mother and Glenda was like a second mom to me. Mark became very caring towards his new brother and sister. The next five years passed quickly. During that time, I spent most of my days with Mark and Glenda, probably around 70 to 80%. Jenny and Brad seemed to be traveling all over the place. After our divorce, Jenny rarely saw her parents. They would visit her and Brad only once or twice a year, usually for dinner at a restaurant. John and Alma were never invited

1:18:28to any of Brad's partners or even to stay over other place. In contrast, Dala and I enjoyed having John and Alma over almost every weekend. The kids loved their visits and I did too because they felt like my second parents. I also enjoyed chatting with John about his experiences. John had an impressive range of jobs in his life. He worked on a ranch, drove a truck and spent time in an auto body shop. He was also part of the team that helped build the original World Trade Center. John had experienced in many areas of construction, including carpentry, drive-all, and electrical work. He was skilled enough to plan out the layout of a house and port a foundation. He accomplished all this despite facing challenges. Sometimes John would share stories about his time in Vietnam. When he talked about his experiences, I would sit and all kept defeated by his words. He truly was a brave and admirable person. I felt very upset when Jenny ignored her parents and I knew it hurt them a lot. I tried to talk to my ex-wife about how she treats her parents, but she gave me the same reply as always, mind your own business. I kept looking at the social media pages for Jenny and Brad,

1:19:30partly because the kids liked to see pictures of their mom in the news. After we separated, I watched closely to see if Jenny and Brad's relationship would fall apart, but as time would buy it, they seemed happy together. Even though I never asked directly, Mark and Glenda told me that life at Brad's house was nice. The kids liked Brad and he treated them well. He often bought them tories and gifts, which they always enjoyed. Unfortunately, Alma passed away from cancer about eight years after our divorce. She spent her final days at the ranch with us. Our funeral was held nearby and had a good turnout. The ranch has a small cemetery established in the 1870s and John requested that be laid to rest there. We all agreed to John's wishes. He also asked if he could be laid to rest next to her and we agreed to that as well. I wasn't sure if Jenny would come to the funeral. She had only talked to her father once since her mother passed away. That was when John called her to share the sad news, but to my surprise, Jenny did come and she brought Brad with her. She wore a dark blue dress and sunglasses. I noticed Brad looked different. His hair was thinning and turning gray

1:20:31and he had a small belly. I thought he might be spending too much time triuffling, eating at restaurants and not exercising enough. When John saw his daughter, it was a bit awkward. They just stood there looking at each other for what felt like a long time until John finally hugged her. At first, Jenny didn't move, but then she slowly wrapped her arms around her father. Brad approached John and shook his hand, offering his sympathy. Mark and Glenda, who were upset, hugged their mother tightly. Brad turned to me, give a nod and had a little grin on his face. It seemed like he wanted me to feel uncomfortable because he was there, but instead he smiled back and shook his hand. When we tried to sit in the front row, there wasn't enough space, so I suggested that Brad and I sit in the second row. Brad didn't like that, especially when John said I should sit next to him. In the end, Darla took my place in the second row with Brad. As the server started, I held Brad complaining softly behind me. Then I caught Darla saying something to him in a low voice. A short while later, Brad stood up and walked out. After the servers, John invited Jenny and Brad to the ranch for the burial and some fruit afterward.

1:21:33But Jenny made an excuse about needing to catch a flight and decline the invitation. I knew that was nonsense, but I kept quite about it. After the service at the graveside, I found Darla by herself and asked what had happened between her and Brad during the church service. He got upset because you sat in the front row with his wife, Darla said, shaking her head. But I was on one side of John and Jenny was on the other. We didn't sit together. I told the proud mister Calson that. Then I told him to con down because the world doesn't revolve around him. Then Darla smiled mischievously. I think he was a bit offended. We shared a laugh about it, but maybe we shouldn't have. Brad doesn't take it well when people don't show him respect. In short, he is someone who thinks very highly of himself. Two weeks later, Brad started another attempt to take land from Darla's ranch. This time, he was claiming 10 acres next to his. His lawyer has had discovered that those 10 acres a separate piece of land. Due to a mistaken paperwork, the 10 acres of land had not been included with the rest of the ranch. As a result, no taxes had been paid on it.

1:22:33Brad then asked his accountants to calculate what the taxes would have been and he paid that amount to the county. After that, his lawyers requested a tax deed. Darla was worried about Brad's claim even though the 10 acres were mostly wet and rocky. She asked me if she should just give it up since it wasn't worth much. Definitely not. I replied quickly. This is just Brad being pushed because he upset him. Last time you didn't have the money to stand up to him. Now it's time to show him he can't just take what he wants. His claim is wrong. As I expected, the court agreed with Darla. They said that the county had made a mistake by not collecting taxes on the 10 acres. Additionally, it was the county's duty to inform the current owner and give them a chance to settle the over Jew bill. To make things even better, the court limited the back taxes to five years. After that, I didn't see Brad in person for a long time. I would occasionally see him in Jenny in the social news. During this time, I also rarely saw Jenny. Usually, when I picked up the kids, a staff member would have them ready for me at the front door, which was fine. Jenny also continued to miss her time

1:23:33with the kids as Brad traveled more often. As the years went by, I figured I had the kids around nine months each year. It reached a point where they disliked going back to their mother and Brad's house. They often said that Brad was now grumpy and their mother was gone most days. Then, a big surprise showed up in the newspaper. Brad had filed for divorce from Jenny. I was completely surprised and I couldn't understand why. The kids felt just as lost as I did. However, as time went on, we learned that Brad had found out Jenny was seeing someone else, a wealthy man named Tad Demont. That really explained everything. Jenny was looking for someone more suited to her desires. Tad had more resources than Brad and he was much younger too. Dala and I couldn't help but find a situation I'm using. Not long after Brad and Jenny got divorced, Jenny married Tad. This was good news for me because Tad didn't live in our school area plus he wasn't really interested in having kids around. So Glenda and Mark ended up staying with Dala and me all the time. After all my past away, I managed to persuade John to sell his home and move in with us. Since John knew a lot about construction,

1:24:35Dala hired him to help with repairs around the ranch. Dala and I decided to make our house bigger. We wanted to have a dining space for her ranch workers and to make my accounting office larger. This led to another argument with Brad. He did everything he could to stop us from getting building pyramids. In the end, we were allowed to build because we were protected under the old rules. John took charge of the building project and did most of the work himself about 85%. A little more than a year after Tad and Jenny got married, Jenny asked for a divorce. The gossip was that she found Tad with a much younger woman. Then another rumor surfaced that to be true. Tad had only married Jenny to upset Brad and take his wife away from him. Karma really came around. Now every morning, I wake up and thank God for all the good things in my life. As the years passed, we experienced many highs and lows in one serious event. Mark was in a car accident that could have been fatal. He was fortunate that he only had a broken leg in wrist, along with some bruises and cuts. John also had a mild stroke, which made his left side a bit weak.

1:25:36Thanks to physical therapy, he has improved a loss and now just walks with the slight limp. Dala rarely gets sick. She says she can't afford to be unwell with her four kids, the ranch, and me to take care of. As for me, I had been feeling unwell for weeks. I had low energy headaches and felt nauseous. I kept ignoring these issues until Dala insisted on taking me to the doctor. After some tests, they found that one of my arteries was severely blocked, putting me at risk of a heart attack. They performed by past surgery, and even while I was still in the hospital, I was amazed at how much better I felt. Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees that I don't really need it. Infliction is killing me. Who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durban Marshall credit card bill. See, things in credit unions help small businesses make pay roll. This bill would cut the vital resources they need. While increasing Megastore profits, they deserve it. Don't they? Tell Congress, stop the Durban Marshall money grab for corporate megastores paid for

1:26:37by the Electronic Payments Coalition. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along, which is why you should try Zippercrooter for free. At zippercrooter.com slash zip. Zippercrooter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of, hey, Zippercrooter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zippercrooter get a quality candidate within the first day. Zippercrooter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try Zippercrooter for free. That's right, free at zippercrooter.com slash zip. That zippercrooter.com slash zip. Zippercrooter.com slash zip.

1:27:38Fortunately, Clenda and Alma only went for the usual childhood illnesses. Sadly, Stevie passed away from cancer when he was just seven years old. He was a brave little boy who rarely showed that he was hurting even when he was in pain. And the night he died, Dala and I clandened into his bed and held him close. Mommy, Dady, I'm really happier here with me. Now I'm not scared. He said as he shut his eyes. A few minutes later, he took his last breath. Dala was heartbroken and still takes medicine to help her feel better. Our other children cried on and off for weeks. I have to admit, it was the hardest day of my life. It made me see that the hurt I felt when Jenny let me down was nothing compared to losing Stevie. Dala and I dealt with our sadness for a very long time. There was a big empty space in my heart that didn't start to heal until my first grandchild was born. Dala had a baby boy and named him Stephen Todd after her brother and her husband. All of our kids are married now and we have seven grandchildren. With each new grandchild, my heart felt a bit better. Yet a small part of me still misses Stevie. Sometimes a wave of sadness hits when I think of him.

1:28:40We laid Stevie to rest next to his grandmother. About 300 people came to the service. The only one who didn't show up was Jenny. She was off with her boyfriend somewhere far away. I didn't mind where she was and honestly I was relieved she didn't come. I was hurting too much to deal with her. The six months after Stevie's passing were very tough. Some nights I would wake up and find Dala missing. I knew exactly where she went. So I would grab a blanket and go to Stevie's grave. I would lay down next to her and wrap the blanket around us. Even years later, I would still walk up to Stevie's grave and sit there talking to him. Somehow, that always seemed to bring me a bit of comfort. If you're curious whether I thought about getting back with Jenny after her breakup, the answer is no. That idea never crossed my mind until Dala brought it up. It happened one evening after dinner while we were watching TV. Dala asked me, do you ever think about getting back together with Jenny? She tried to make it sound casual but I could see concern in her eyes. I got up and gently pulled her to her feet. I hugged her tightly, then let her to the bedroom.

1:29:41A little while later, I asked Dala, what did you ask me? Never mind, she replied, snuggling closer to me. One day I spotted an old man sitting in my waiting room so I went to see how I could help him. When he looked up, I was surprised to see it was Brad. Brad was surprised, I said, as I held up my hand. Brad took my hand and shook it softly. He didn't seem well, but before I could say anything, he spoke. You won, he said sadly. I won what? I asked confused. I really loved her, Brad said, and I thought she really loved me. Then I realized he was talking about Jenny. So I said, yeah, she is a way of making you care for her. But Jenny has always had the big problem. She grew up with little money and she never got past that. She believes that more money means more happiness. I understand now how you felt when Jenny left you, Brad admitted. How did you get through it? One day at a time and with the help of a caring partner, I answered honestly. There is no quick fix Brad's side. It's too late for me to find someone else. Besides, I loved Jenny with all my heart,

1:30:42but that's not why I came. I'm here because I have stage four cancer and I wanted to say I'm sorry. I know it was wrong to chase after a married woman, but I just fell for Jenny. I hope that one day you can forgive me. As I gazed at the old man in front of me, I realized that there was a time when I hated him deeply. But now all I felt was pity. Brad, there was a time I couldn't stand you, I said. But that was long ago. If you want my forgiveness, then you have it. He smiled sadly again, thank me and then he left. He passed away five months later. Dala and I went to the memorial. I was surprised by how few people came, but one person there was Jenny and she seemed very upset about Brad's passing and even more upset with me. He just had to come here or it didn't you? Jenny shabbied at me. You couldn't let me say goodbye in peace. You wanted everyone to see that you were better than him. I was upset. You're being a hypocrite. He left him for someone who had more money and now you're pretending to care because he's gone. Brad apologized to me months ago and accepted his apology. Did you ever say sorry to Brad for how you treated him?

1:31:43I didn't wait for her to reply. I took Dala's arm and we walked her together. The car ride home was mostly silent at first but then Dala turned to me and said, what's bothering you today? I couldn't help but laugh. Dala always knew how to make me smile. When Brad's was made public, I was shocked. He left most of his money to charity and his old school. But he also gave $2 million to Jenny. With the money she got from two wealthy husbands and now this, Jenny was doing very well. She bought her apartment close to the ranch and wanted to rebuild her relationship with her kids. However, the kids didn't want to visit their mother's new place. Since it was aimed at adults, they said there was nothing fun for them to do. I explained to them that their mom was trying and they should put in some effort too. In the end, there was still a lot of distance between them. Jenny eventually decided to find a new partner. After that, Jenny had a lot of companions switching them out often. The kids seemed happy not having to stay at the mother's place. If they were happy, then I felt happy too. I was so proud of our kids. Mark graduated from Georgia Tech

1:32:43with a degree in engineering. Now he lives and works in Austin. He married a wonderful woman from a highway named Cindy Stubbins, whom he met at college. She's also an engineer and they both work for the same company. They have two lovely little girls and Cindy works from home. Blender attended Texas and M to study to be a veterinarian. After she graduated, she came back home and worked with a local vet, sound-turner for a few years. Then she decided to start her own practice. About a year later, a young veterinarian named Todd Ambers and took over Sam's practice. It seemed natural that Blender and Todd would eventually join their practices together and they also got married. They have two boys and a little girl and I really think my grand could spend more time at the ranch than at their own home. Dala and I love having them here and Jenny's dad spends a lot of time with the kids too. They really look up to him. My daughter Alma finished her studies at the University of Texas and now teaches third grade a chested and elementary school. She married a college boyfriend, who teaches chemistry at Marion High School. They are expecting their first baby in about three months.

1:33:44I couldn't be happier because I enjoy having grandkids. They bring so much joy. I'm just joking when I say it, they're better than your own kids, but there is something special about grandkids. You can spoil them and then send them back when they get a little fussy. Mark married a sweet girl he met while on vacation in England. She isn't British, she's just another American visiting. Her name is Sally and she's five feet tall with long dark hair and striking eyes. I joke with her about being a tiny version of Elizabeth Taylor. Sally and her husband have three kids, two boys and a girl and we just found out she's expecting a fourth child. It surprises me that Sally has no trouble having these babies considering how small she is. The years flew by and before I knew it, Dala and I was celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. I haven't seen much of Jenny in the past few years. The kids talk to their mom sometimes but they rarely meet up with her. From what they share, it seems like time is catching up with her just like it does with everyone. She isn't as lively as she used to be and I hear she hasn't had the companion in a couple of years. Jenny does call her dad every couple of months.

1:34:46He's almost 90 but he still gets around well and is very sharp. The talks between John and his daughter were usually quite brief and they often left John feeling a bit down. When I once asked him why he didn't talk to Jenny for longer, he said he wasn't sure what to say. Hearing that made me feel sad for him. With another Christmas coming up, I decided to go to the mall for some shopping. I've lawn accepted that I'm not very good at choosing gifts so I figured out which doors my family likes. Then I just buy gift cards. I know that sounds a bit boring but I make sure I can't pick the wrong item or size. So far, nobody is complained about it. Anyway, I forgeting my last gift card, I felt hungry. I went to the food court and ordered a chick full of sandwich and lemonade. Just as I was about to take my first bite, I noticed a woman sitting two tables away. It was Jenny. She was sitting alone, watching the people walk by. She observed the families that filled the mall with great interest. Jenny was no longer the lovely woman I had married. She had gained some weight and had a few more wrinkles. From where I was sitting, I could see the age spots on her hands.

1:35:48Yet for her age, she was still appealing but what stood up most was the sadness in her eyes. I decided it was time to approach her. Hey, can I sit with you? I asked as I sat my sandwich and drink on the table. What do you want? Jenny replied sharply. I was taken aback by her response. It took me a moment to understand but then I picked up my sandwich and drink. I don't want anything. I just wanted to say hello. I'm sorry to bother you. I'll find another table. For a moment, I saw a look of pain on Jenny's face and she seemed to soften the bit. No, I'm sorry, the holidays are tough for me. Please have a seat. I'd like some company, she said softly. What brings you to the mall? Holiday shopping, I asked while taking a bite of my chicken sandwich. Mike, I haven't done holiday shopping since Brad and I separated. I just send checks now, she replied. And the kids really appreciate them, especially for the grandkids. They save that money for college, I said. I know, Jenny replied, watching a young couple walk by with their baby stroller.

1:36:49They write me thank you notes. So back to my first question. Why are you at the mall? You never like shopping much. If you needed something, you'd just go get it. I just wanted to be around people. Jenny said, staring at another young couple trying to keep their three kids in line. Everyone in my building has left for the holidays. So what are you planning to do for Christmas? You're not planning to stay in your condo all by yourself. Are you? No way, Jenny replied. I have a dinner reservation, a shea Francesca, and then I want to see the new Tom Hanks movie. I don't think so, I said while finishing my sandwich. You're coming to the ranch for Christmas. The kids and grandkids will be there, and your dad too. It'll be nice. I really can't do that, Jenny said. I just make everyone feel awkward. That's silly, I replied as I picked up my trash. It's decided you're coming. I turned to her and added, if you want to see the grandkids open the gifts, you should be there by seven a.m. but come at any time. Dinner will be ready at three. Dala wasn't thrilled when I told her

1:37:49that Jenny might join us for Christmas. Why did you invite her? She asked a hint of concern in her eyes. I quickly pulled my wife into a hug. Is my wife feeling uneasy? Stop it, Mike. I'm serious. Dala said her eyes wide with concern. She's going to make everyone uneasy. That's what Jenny said when she tried to say no. But I didn't want her to spend a holiday all alone, I replied. What's this about, Jenny? John asked as he ended the room. I asked Jenny to join us for Christmas, explained to John, who I thought of as a second dad. And she agreed to come? John's face brightened, and I noticed Dala had the same reaction. Not exactly, I said. Jenny has stated because she worried she'd make things awkward, but I wouldn't take no for an answer. Whether she comes or not is up to her. The light in John's eyes didn't a little, but soon shifted to a look of hope. On Christmas day, Jenny didn't arrive to see the kids open their gifts or to share dinner with us at three. By that time, I thought she wasn't coming, and it seemed like John did too. He looked a bit sad and went to sit by himself.

1:38:50I felt sorry for him, so I asked my youngest grandchild, Christy, who was for to invite him to play a game. Just as I expected, he soon joined her on the floor to play Candeland. Around 5.30, I was surprised to hear the doorbell ring. When I opened the door, I was happy to see Jenny. She looked nice as if she was ready to go out for dinner. Hey, I said warmly. I was starting to worry you wouldn't make it. I still think this might not be a good idea she replied with a hint of doubt in her eyes. Not at all, I assured her. He missed dinner, but we'll have dessert ready soon. If you want something to eat, I can warm up some leftovers for you. Now, dessert sounds great. Jenny replied as I let her inside. Hey, everyone, I call to the family in the living room. Look who just joined us. Jenny's here for dessert. The kids rushed over to her excitedly. They were choosing teams for a game and all wanted her on their team. Mark and Glenda came over, giving their mother warm hugs and wishing her a merry Christmas. All the children hugged her too. I was surprised when Dal also hugged Jenny. He even was nice.

1:39:51At first, Jenny was a bit nervous and seemed to think carefully about everything being said. But when she saw that she was the only one feeling uneasy, she started to feel more at ease. It was sweet to see Jenny and her father sitting together, chatting and laughing. Overall, it was a pleasant Christmas. Although Jenny had settled down since her arrival, it was clear she still felt a bit unsure about being here at Dalas and my home. I have to admit, I found myself watching Jenny from time to time. She was still a lovely woman. But I realized I had no feelings for her beyond being the mother of my two kids. After the grand could to enter bed, their parents decided to use the hot tub. Since it was chilly outside, near the dollar, Jenny, no I wanted to go. John thought he would give the hot tub a try but came back after a few minutes, saying it was too cold to sit outside, even if the water was warm. I got everyone some drinks and we gathered around the fireplace with the Christmas tree sparkling nearby. We sat quietly for about 15 minutes, watching the flames flicker on the logs. After a while, I noticed tears on Jenny's cheeks. Are you okay?

1:40:52I asked, puzzled by her tears. I'll be fine, Jenny replied softly, wiping her eyes. Near the dollar, I mentioned the tears and we let the quiet settle in again. A few minutes later, Jenny spoke up. I almost didn't come, she said, looking at the fire. I was scared I'd find out what I already I made a big mess of my life. I think you're being too hard on yourself, Darra was said unexpectedly. I've seen pictures of you and Brad and it was clear you really cared about him. I feel the same way about Tad. Near the marriage worked out, but many marriages end in divorce anyway. I really loved Brad at first, even though I still had feelings for you, Mike. But I was drawn to his money and status more. We had happy times together for many years but I let him pull me away from my kids. Since he was older than me, he started to have health issues that changed our relationship. He became frustrated and upset. About six months before I met Tad, I began to stray from the path I should have taken with Brad. I saw the same hurt and anger in Brad's eyes that I once saw in yours, Mike. Almost from the start of my marriage,

1:41:52a suspected Tad was not faithful to me. When I confronted him, he just laughed. He told me he married me to get back at Brad because of a business issue he had with him. I was heartbroken and in that moment, I understood what you and Brad must have felt. Once I was free from Tad, I told myself that I didn't want to marry again. I just wanted to have fun. I had plenty of money to do what I wanted, so I got into one empty relationship after another. I was so wrapped up in myself that I put my own ones before my kids. It surprises me that they don't present me. That was as close to an apology as Jenny could make. After a few moments of quiet, she finished her drink and stood up. I have to go. Dala, John, and I tried to persuade Jenny to stay the night, but she declined. So John and I walked her to her car. Her father gave her a warm hug and told her he loved her. That made Jenny start to tear up again. She wiped her eyes and right before getting into her car, she pulled me into a tight embrace and said, thank you. Then Jenny drove away. I'm not sure what the future will bring. I believe Jenny truly feels remorse from many choices she has made in life.

1:42:53Whether she decides to reconnect with her family is up to her. The house is quite now, except for the soft sounds of the fireplace. I couldn't stop thinking about Alan happy my ex-wife was and I felt compassion for her. I also wished I hadn't spent so much time trying to get back at Jenny and Brad. As I sat and watched the flames flicker, I remembered a Bible verse. The race does not always go to the fastest and battles on always one by the strongest. Food doesn't always go to the wisest and wealth doesn't always come to the smartest. Good things can happen to anyone thanks to time and luck. In the end time was the best way to move on. And that is the end. Thank you for listening and I will see you in the next one. Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along.

1:43:54Which is why you should try Zippercrooter for free. At zippercrooter.com slash zip. Zippercrooter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. It's powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of, hey, Zippercrooter, find you what you're looking for. The needle in the haystack. See why four out of five employers who post a job on Zippercrooter get a quality candidate within the first day. Zippercrooter, the smartest way to hire and right now you can try Zippercrooter for free. That's right, free at zippercrooter.com slash zip. That zippercrooter.com slash zip. Zippercrooter.com slash zip. Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees that I don't really need it. Infliction is killing me. Who cares? Big retailers and making record profits. That's why we support the Durban Marshall Credit Card Bill.

1:44:56See? Things in credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources they need. While increasing Megastore profits. They deserve it. Don't they? Tell Congress, stop the Durban Marshall money grab for corporate megastores. Paid for it by the Electronic Payments Coalition.