I can't relate as far as total abandonement goes. My spouse moved 5 minutes away so "we could still be close," so I can only imagine.
I think in a lot of ways it is comparable to the death of a spouse, but worse.
I would like to comment on you saying you feel shameful. This was HIS terribly wrong choice. You and your children had absolutely no control over this. These are his issues. Hopefully Ian doesn't mine me stealing a quote from him. He sums it up beautifully.
Originally Posted By: sofaraway
I have said this over and over again and I am going to reiterate it to you in particular. Our spouses DO NOT define the person that we are. Our spouses DO NOT define the character and moral fortitude that we possess. Our spouses DO NOT control our future and what type of life we choose to lead. You DO control your own destiny. You do get to define your own morals and character. You DO get to look back later and be proud of yourself because YOU stood your ground and YOU did the work to change.
Ian
Hold your head high, be proud of what you stood for and DO NOT carry that shame. That belongs to him.
