The flame is flickering out...

[SirPrizeMe]

CBK, I hope you can stay strong and look for the good path.
BM, thanks for the encouragement again. I think the path you have chosen is a good one.

I will not give up on my kids. Today I spoke with my Domestic Violence evaluator. She is court-appointed, a social worker who will evaluate the risk by me to the safety of the children. She is not an advisor to me, but rather an expert who renders an opinion about the situation.

When I speak to her, and describe my situation, I don't know why, but I feel encouraged, understood. I feel very hopeful that I will get my kids back. It's nothing she says - her job prohibits her from advising me in any way. It's just .. a feeling I get.

Powered by that encouragement, I am spending money I don't have now on making a new home. It's a hopeful place. I won't expend effort "retaliating" - that's not good for me, or for her, or for my kids. I'm not joining the war, despite all her invitations.