Hi, Mario,
Once again, upon hearing that Talia didn't make it, it feels like a kick in the gut. I wish I could be there with you.
About Marina's words and attitude --- don't let the negativity bother you unduly, for I think a lot of interpretation is called for here. For instance, she tells you that she cannot tell you what happened, "as then she would have to die and you would commit suicide" as I think you quoted her. Think of it this way: If she hated you or disrespected you to that extent, would she not WANT to hurt you? True, her not telling you hurts, but in her eyes she is trying to protect you. That should tell you something.
Keep in mind that it is not at all uncommon for a person to deliberately attempt to drive away a loved one, as they feel so unworthy of their love, that the most loving thing they can do is to break the relationship. She apparently feels that she is a bad association for you, and you know the scripture that the Society has drummed into us endlessly. The truly sad thing about this is that it is rare to see this phenominum in one so young.
This is one of the reasons I urged you to have patience with her in this regard back in my first post (on page 6, I think). This is a process that cannot be rushed without causing even more damage. She'll have to come to it on her own.
However, that doesn't mean that you can't contribute to the recovery! She is indeed one of your flowers, and as you know all flowers have to have the right environment to bloom. Like the gardener, you can control her environment. Give her the love, patience, and room to do that blooming, and that includes the need to strike out in her grief, frustration, and yes --- terror --- without letting it affect you too severely. That is a hard job, I know, but it is precisely that steadfastness under difficulty that she needs to know and see.
Again, think of it this way: She has already been betrayed by one parent in a hideous manner. Deep in her heart will be the unspoken question as to whether she can trust the other. You don't need to speak against her mother or defend yourself. Merely being steadfast in the face of her doubts will be a witness on BOTH those issues that goes far beyond anything that mere words can do.
Keep these things in your heart during the worst times. You are a father, even as I am. Is it not true that some of the greatest joy that comes to a father, is through the bearing of the loads that our little ones cannot handle themselves? Be one.
Should you ever need to talk, my telephone number is (541) 946-1231, and my email is [email protected]
One other reason I wish I could be there. I spent half my life in the trades, and specialized in the repairing of homes damaged by fire and water. Drywall, texture and paint are things I could do in my sleep. When I got done, it smelled like a new home.
My heart is with you, my brother.
Tom (LoneWolf)