I received a mid afternoon phone call from my ex husband today. He has not spoken to me, or my son in almost 6 months, which is not unusual. Currently he is in Afghanistan and although it was 1230 pm here, it was 9 pm his time. He knows my son is in school..so why did he call?

He chatted my ear off for about 15 minutes..kept asking how I was, general conversation..and then he said "you will never believe what I carry around in my pocket"

A chunk of amethyst that I gave him as a gift a few yrs ago, just after we divorced.

It was NOT an amicable split , and an abusive marriage which was ruled by his philandering ways, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a whole lot of violence. I left 5 years ago because I couldnt raise my son in that environment. I was very angry for a very long time because I felt like I had to choose between my husband and my son.... my son won hands down..but i was resentful of him that I was forced to choose that way.

Anyways... Its taken me all this time apart to heal. I have been alone all the years and healed enough to finally enter into a really fantastic relationship with someone that means the world to me. I did my work, I pushed through and worked on myself..I stumbled and I fell and made it to the other side.....after almost 5 years... I guess Im a slow learner, but had a lot to resolve and make peace with.

So....... what does he say to me today when we said goodbye?

he said "i love you"

WTf?!

Part of me is angry and frustrated, part of me feels just plain strange, and another part of me knows that i will always love him in a way, as the father of my child. i need to let it all go.

So, while I wont analyze his words, I have to wonder if it was a knee jerk response, is he scared and lonely in the middle of this war, or what.

I dont understand

And never will.

Thanks for letting me vent. Has anyone else experienced this? Its kinda sad and confusing, but not confusing and strange all at the same time.