Parental divorce and my tank

[lucyretz]

Well after 17 years I’ve had both my parents, it finally happened. My parents filed for divorce yesterday. We move in July when the house lease is up... I am.... not okay. Not at the minute. I will be, in time. But not right now.
This a low point in my life, probably the lowest.

I’m making this post to remind people how therapeutic these tanks really can be. My tank is honest to god the only thing that’ll get me through this. My tank is the only thing that will be able to hold me together.

Do you ever just have a seat in front of your tank and feel the stress of life slowly wash away? Watch the fish live so carelessly in a world you created.. the only world you control. Watch the coral flourish as if they were still in the ocean. Watch your cleanup crew scramble when a piece of fish food touches the tank floor... the little things.

Anyways. I’m thankful for the hobby I took on. I don’t do drugs, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke like most of my friends who have gone through rocky divorces like I’m being put through right now. I reef. And I hope some other kid out there who’s just like me chooses this path too.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Sorry to hear I hope you feel better. Divorce is never easy on anybody. But look at it this way, you're parents were not happy together (hense the divorce), hopefully they'll be happier separate. Good luck

 

[Greybeard]

My folks divorced when I was 10. All I can say is... this too will pass. When things outside of my control affect my life, it helps if I concentrate on aspects within my control... school, work, hobbies, friends.

Beautiful tank... you've obviously spent a great deal of time and energy on it.

 

[Ocean Lotion]

Hopefully your parents will be happier and your time with each will be more enjoyable.
Your tank is amazing and shows you are a great reafer.

 

[Ocean Lotion]

Hopefully your parents will be happier and your time with each will be more enjoyable.
Your tank is amazing and shows you are a great reafer.

 

[Scubafrog]

Sorry for the situation that your parents are currently putting you through. Like others have stated it will pass in time and it is great to see that you are handling it in a mature way. Focus on your tank, school, and your life and make it the best that you can. I have a 16 and 11 year old and I know how tough this period of time can be. Stay strong and enjoy that aquarium.

 

[redfishbluefish]

You might wish to look into a support group. In NJ there are a large number of these groups You'll find that you're not alone and all have many of the same questions.

 

[Johniejumbo]

I get it. I’ve had some rough patches in life. Nothing has ever helped my blood pressure and sanity like zoning into my reef tank. Keep ur head up.
Beautiful tank btw!

 

[Tautog]

I’m sorry to hear this, but it’s going to be OK! I promise you! Never blame yourself! Never give in, or up!
Look what you have created, a beautiful reef environment. You have talents!

 

[cgdcinc]

Sweet tank!
Same happened to me at 10. That was back in the early 70’s. It’s when I got a 10 gallon tank and some neons and guppies. I used to sit and watch those fish and it gave me peace when times were tough. It will pass and we learn from all of our life experiences.
My tanks sure help with all of the stresses of my working life now. It give us back what we give it 10 fold.

 

[FredsNJReef]

So Sorry to hear.
As others have said, things will get better. But it will hurt for a while of course.
I commend you for leaning on your tank and hobby as a healthy way to cope and eventually thrive again.

Your tank certainly has plenty to lower your blood pressure for a while

 

[Potatohead]

Tank is really nice dude. Stay focused on the good stuff and keep your chin up.

 

[Salty.Reefer]

Sorry to hear about your hardship. I too use my tank to relax. I love pulling up my comfy office chair in front of the tank and just have all the stuff hanging over my head fade away. Hang in there man.

 

[Sea MunnKey]

Unfortunately I've experienced that same situation with my parents as well and it's not a nice scenario ... mentally and emotionally. You've got good R2R folks over here ... always. ;Happy You're not Alone ..

Your system calms & relaxes your mind no matter what the real situation is at the moment. And you know what ... your system does not showcase any frags on the sandbed at all!! Awesome work!!

 

[Zack K]

My parents divorced when I was 12 (5 years now) and many times I sit down in the lazyboy and just watch the tank. Like you said, all of the little things in their that just make you think life away. Absolutely stunning tank man! Hope everything pulls through.

-Zack