Newly separated...spouse left, 4th thread

[antlers]

CityGirl...she texted me earlier today (reached out, I guess) and said..."What days exactly were you gonna take the kids on vacation this month?"


I was at work, so almost an hour later I texted her back..."June 20th thru July 2nd."


So she texted me back afterwards with this..."Are you planning on being gone that entire time? I can't go that long without seeing the kids."


I have made plans for us to be gone that entire time! We have always taken big trips during the Summer. I've already made reservations. The kids had told me a couple of month's ago that they were gonna go to my wife's parents house for a couple of weeks this Summer, although my wife hasn't mentioned it to me, and I didn't have a problem with it if they did that. And I didn't think my wife would have a problem with the kids and I taking a big trip this Summer like all of us used to.

Could you guys and gals help me with a response to her last text please?

I need to let her know that, yeah, we were planning on being gone that entire time. But I want to do it in a way that will further open the lines of communication and solutions rather than shut them down. I want to do it in a way that will show her that I have value, respect, and compassion for her...as well as for myself!

Any help you folks could give me in formulating a response would be greatly appreciated!