Thank you so much, root. I'm going to Borders before I go to work this evening - they sent me an e-coupon for my b-day ! I'll see if they've got it there, otherwise I'll order it online.

H and I have actually had this discussion in which we both acknowledged the fact that there is no such thing as a perfect R. It will take effort as well as empathy on both sides to see this through.

He also wants what is best for the boys, as do I. Not only does he want to be there for me and work towards making things right between us, he also wants to be here for the kids. He misses them terribly and remembers what it was like for him growing up without his dad. He doesn't want them to endure that type of pain any longer.

I agree with you - it really is that simple. Once they come out of their fog.

Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward. ~ Joseph Campbell