You really are taking the right path. You are a man of deep thought, and based upon your life story, you are a testament that people can change for the better.
That part with your daughter...I had to do that also with my daughter and son who were 5 and 7 at the time. I remember having to pick my sobing boy off the floor and carry him to his room. It is the hardest part of all of this.
Keeping things amicable with your STBXW is the best. If you extend a friendly attitude, it will be returned. I know this because that is how my life is coparenting with my XW.
I see good things in your future. But first you have some very painful negotiations to go through. The time of this is but a fraction of your life. In the long run, you have no where to go but up and I am sure your kids will remember long into their adult life the sacrifices you made and the changes you made in their lives.
