sandi2, Here are some answers. I have read the WAW article a few times, and I have researched a bunch of threads on this Forum. I think I understand how my W got to the point to where she is now, and I can see in hindsight the mistakes I have made over the last few years. I think part of my W's motivation for leaving is the fact that she is miserable and it makes her feel like a bad parent. The need to escape the burden may also play a part. Having a special needs kid has added some extra stress to my W in the last 11 years, plus getting laid-off 2 years ago didn't help. It probably doesn't help that the other kids in our extended families (my side and hers) are all over-achievers and my W has always had some bitterness and resentment about her own kids not measuring up. When she dropped the bomb 6-months ago she stressed how I wasn't there for her after she lost her job to boost her self esteem and she felt like a loser.
I keep a PMA and try to maintain a positive attitude around the kids and keep things fun. My W often stays upstairs in the bedroom watching sports on TV and texting. I take the kids to the park, or little mini-adventures when I can, and W usually stays home because she is tired (she spends a lot of time on the phone with OM when the kids and I are out).
My W admits that her relationship with OM has crossed a boundary, but she justifies it by saying she needs to be happy and she can't be happy with me. She has said a few times that she deserves to be happy and it shouldn't be so hard.
My D is 11 and she goes to public school and is very independant and self-sufficient. She gets home at 3:30 and her big brother watches her if my W and I aren't home.
Me 46 W 43 M 17 S 14 D 11 ILYB 9/2010 EA began July/August 2010 ? PA began Nov/Dec 2010 ? I began DB in Jan 2011 I filed 7/12/11 Kids and I moved out 7/30/11 I'm in it for the kids and me.
