Understand precisely how you feel, hon. I remember when H and I were S'ed the first time, and I would always hear (that OP)'s name.....H would assure me she was nothing more than a friend.
Yeah. Whatever.
But hearing my boys telling me how much fun they had during their time with H, and (that OP) was with them......well, I was happy for my boys that they had fun.....but it still hurt something awful.
I should've been the one there having fun with them. Not (that OP).
However, like you, I had to remind myself of the same thing.....
I am their mom. I am their mom. I AM MOM, and I ALWAYS WILL BE.
Same goes for you!
(((((((BIG HUGS)))))))
And again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
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
