Frank is beginning his recovery

[still hopeful]

Frank,

It is nice to hear that I sound well to you. You helped me to right myself when my days were darkest in my separation and subsequent divorce. You stood by my patiently and helped me to see that my XW certainly has her issues that definitely contributed to the demise of our marriage over time.

Luckily, I have many people in my life who care about me a great deal. Even better, I have met some of the greatest people during my sitch. YOU, kind sir, are my greatest 'find.' And, even in your current chapter of your life story, you are teaching me again that the best energy, time and effort I can spend is on improving myself to be the best man I can possibly be. What I have gathered from this epiphany is that most everything in my life will fall into place when I have myself in order, as I will be much more discerning and have much better personal boundaries.

I am doing better than I was when we met, but that is not saying a lot. I continue to read to improve myself. I am 1 belt away from my black belt in TaeKwonDo. I continue to DB for a reconciliation with my XW alone. I am more active in my church, leading a Sunday school group of 8-year olds that includes my D8. My XW has reached out to me more lately, but I would be lying if I didn't say that I am very afraid of XW actually deciding that she actually wants to reconcile our M, but she does NOT see any changes that she needs to make in herself.

Well, I have not reached THAT hurdle. I am still striving to reach that point and I'm hopeful that my worst fear will not be realized. I'm hopeful that XW will realize what I already know, that I am the best man for her, that she will want to reconcile and will want to do her part improve herself as a person and will want to place our M first; will want to fight for our M first, not herself individually, and separate from our M.

I strongly believe that two people who strongly believe in God and work to strengthen their faith, and who also place their marital success first and foremost in their lives will lead very happy and successful lives together.

I have gone on about me on your thread, and for that I apologize. Perhaps all of this would have been better sent to you privately. I really just wanted you to know that you touched my life and I thank you for doing that. As you deal with your sitch, I am watching and learning from HOW you deal with your sitch. I will stay current on your thread and I hope the best for you and yours and you are in my prayers. I am with you in spirit, my brother.

Keep on keepin' on,
Tom