FIB, I am glad you posted. I contacted you on the alt. but I was getting a little worried.
Let me just tell you that you are not number 2 in your kids eyes. Children know much more than we give them credit for. They do. And they are watching. You are their daddy, their rock. You provide stability and security. They love you, Frank. You can be sure of it.
I know that there is prejudice in the legal system. All kinds. It sucks.
As for the dating thing, it will happen. Probably when you least expect it.
You need time to heal, time to get used to it all.
Take the free time you have and fill it with things you enjoy.