I would like to shake your hand, too. Or rather give you a hug. I'd be lying if I told you I had never shed a tear reading one of your threads.

You've been such an amazing father to your sons during a situation that was difficult (sometimes impossible) to navigate. Truly, having two boys really old enough to understand everything that's going on...my hands are white knuckled on the keyboard, often, when I read your posts.

Coming from a family with its share of crazy people, I've had several illusions I held about people I love growing up wiped/dashed away when I was a young teenager. My parents believed that honesty was the best policy with us. Looking back, I have to disagree. Ignorance really is bliss as far as kids go.

But your oldest son (and to some extent your middle son) already know the situation--too mature to not figure things out. And it's a lot to deal with.

All of them are quickly forming opinions of what is going on. (No pressure! ;\) but you're the parent they can't count on).

Your boys just need to understand that their mother loves them, no matter what bru-ha-ha and evil situation she is currently cooking up. Kids need adults they can depend on to love them. That's it really--what kids need--bonds that won't break. And frankly, however they can feel like she loves them and hasn't abandoned them is the best thing for them, no matter what the truth is.

As for you. In my book, you have won. Not because you won your sons, but because you showed the kind of strength that held and rebuilt yourself in the face of huge loss & destruction.

Do you guys hear a soundtrack swelling behind me?? Cause I could go on and describe Mules. Maybe for the movie version, M? ;\)

It is in the shelter of each other that people live.--Irish proverb

Current