Not all marriages look the same, nor do all divorces look the same either.
But one dad’s story on the internet went viral after he shared a glimpse into how he handled an annual event – his ex-wife’s birthday.
When two people get married they focus on their love and plan for a bright future. Unfortunately though, not all marriages last.
Although it’s the couple’s decision to make the split, if children are involved – there’s a tie that still binds them. It’s then up to the parents to put plans into place when it comes to living arrangements, holidays, etc. But there’s also the question of how interactions will go too. After all, not every relationship ends well.
Billy Flynn Gadbois is a lawyer, model, and most importantly a father. He shares two sons with his ex-wife, who he keeps a positive relationship with.
On her birthday Gadbois woke up early and went to help out with some special plans, which included bringing over flowers and a gift. However, after doing so, he received grief from someone else about it who was curious why he continued to “do things for her all the time.”
Gadbois took to Facebook to express his feelings on the situation. He began by explaining some of the details about what happened, writing:
“It’s my ex-wife’s birthday today so I got up early and brought flowers and cards and a gift over for the kids to give her and helped them make her breakfast.”
But not everyone understood…
Gadbois continued:
“Per usual someone asked me why the hell I still do things for her all the time. This annoys me. So ima break it down for you all. I’m raising two little men. The example I set for how I treat their mom is going to significantly shape how they see and treat women and affect their perception of relationships. I think even more so in my case because we are divorced.”
He then offered some words of wisdom.
“So if you aren’t modeling good relationship behavior for your kids, get your [expletive] together. Rise above it and be an example. This is bigger than you. Raise good men. Raise strong women. Please. The world needs them, now more than ever.”
“It’s my ex-wife’s birthday today so I got up early and brought flowers and cards and a gift over for the kids to give…
Posted by Love What Matters on Sunday, February 12, 2017
Gadbois’ powerful post quickly circulated the internet after Love What Matters shared it on their Facebook page.
Below are a few comments that were left…
The dad spoke with TODAY Parents about his Facebook post and the meaning behind it. He shared that his main point was that parents who are divorced should avoid letting their “negative feelings” towards one another turn into bad behavior around the children.
Gadbois explained that he’s not the only one who models the positive behavior either. His ex-wife also helps their kids with gifts on a day like Father’s Day.
He told TODAY:
“We decided early on that we were going to put the effort into co-parenting. We just think it’s really important to show each other respect and care in front of the kids.”
The dad recognizes that it takes a lot of work to peacefully co-parent similarly to how they do.
He went on to explain:
“I’m not saying everyone needs to help the kids make breakfast. But the message people are getting is that you can show each other respect and care in front of the kids, and help the kids care for that parent, regardless of how you feel about each other.”
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
