"All rise"

[hoosiermama]

Frank--
I haven't posted to you before, but I have kept up with your thread--sometimes simply to restore my faith in men.

I'm so sorry you find yourself in this position. I remember how excruciating it was not to see my D every day. Over the past 2 years I have adjusted to it; I'm not happy about it, but we find a way to stay just as connected. First--there's nothing that prevents you from talking with them at bedtime each night, even when they're not with you, or after school, and you can still attend school and sports events even if it's not your "day." Ex's tend to act more reasonably in public. Second, I'll echo the sentiments of others--and throw in my own experience--and predict that once all the legal games are over, your ex will welcome you taking your children for extra time; she will return to her routine, such as it is, and will need more free time for herself. I hope you have a "right of first refusal" clause for those times.

This is absolutely horrible and painful, and I won't argue that. But you are a wonderful dad, and your children know that, and you will keep being a wonderful dad and adjust to the changes. And your time with your children will be low stress and without the distraction of all the craziness you've been dealing with, and you will be a refuge for them. Please don't despair--it will work out better than it appears right now.