"Mrs RSF, I understand your feelings about wanting to go and support your friend. I also respect the fact you are aware of how this could effect the kids, I appreciate you honoring that boundary. If you feel that strongly about attending because it is the right thing for you to do I will support you in that decision. How can I help you get the kids ready?"
Did you mean that I should say I'd be glad to keep the kids?
no, let the kids go
M22,H45,W45 S21/18D12 Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties and at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
