I think kids in this type of sitch are a double edge sword. They give you more opportunities to shine they also present sucha strong desire to keep the family together from the LBS standpoint that you can make you so emotional that you make soem major DB mistakes (big time pleading, etc). I think they also make the emotional thought of loss so much more intense. We had been down a similar path prior to having kids. I can say having kids makes it much more intense.
To answer your question though. I think the kids make the consequences so much more real (especially since I wasn't going to settle for anything less than 50% time with my children.....I earned that). I think they make it more apparent. There is a lot to be said for trying to find a new mate that will also have to be a step dad as well....it can really limit the selctions. In my sitch I think it was a combination. I knew going in she didn't like being alone (I was much better at that). It was after spending one night alone in a hotel while me and the kids were on vacation for her to start texting random things.....that is when I just needed to keep my DB skills honed and my heart open.
Don't discouraged because you don't have kids. You do have the cat and your H does seem to miss him quite a bit. Have you discussed letting the cat stay with him for a week here or a week there?
TwinDad Me 39, W 36, M 11 W - MLC, WAW???? 2 Kids B/G 3 YRS Old Start of the Long and Bumpy Road..... On the verge of piecing.....a new beginning
