I want to chime in here and offer another perspective.
As many of you know, I condone fighting for the kids 100%. Rather, I condone fighting 100% what is socially and developmentally considered the best for the kids.
I left the family home. I had my reasons and for me, it was the best decision.
That choice could have people feeling that I've abandoned my children. And I will argue to my death bed that I have not abandoned my children. I am fighting 100% for what I believe is best for my children, no matter how it might look. I might have a picture of how it "should" look, but that does not mean it has to look that way.
I am doing everything I can in the mean time to be with my children and be there for my children.
We can paint a picture of what abandonment could look like. But just because something looks a certain way, does not mean that is the case or the meaning. Just because our S may tell us they are fine and look like they are doing fine and are happy, does not mean that is the case.
Rather than focusing on judging someone as abandoning the children, fight for what is "best" for the children. And that is access to both parents. Sometimes, fighting to have the other parent be responsible for and be with the children, rather than allowing them to abandon their children is the best thing to do...
