Thanks Ellie. It helps to know that you've had the same thoughts. I know, rationally, that he's not with us out of guilt. The guilt would have actually made it much easier to run away than come back and try to mend the damage he'd done.
I don't think I've ever read the background of your sitch, but it sounds like it was generally the same as mine. Knew something was wrong, snooped, confronted, and all hell broke loose! It was definately the turning point for us as well, and I'm sure that having to face us was probably the hardest thing he ever had to do (except for having to face himself!)