Well, just when I thought things were going well...
We had an enjoyable picnic in the park and came home and cleaned things up.
I made lunches for the kids while my W put them to bed.
I went outside to sit in the back yard and she came out and joined me; it was about 10 PM and dark outside
She told me that she realized I was doing my best to be a good dad and husband. I told her that I made these recent changes for me. She said she was glad to hear this. She said that she felt I should've been more active as a dad in the past, and that I had missed out on some things with our kids. I told her that I should've been more involved with them.
She said that the marriage has been over for her for some time.
She decided last Fall that it was time to end our marriage.
She said she was frustrated that I hadn't contacted the divorce mediator she found and thought this was deceitful. She said that she needs the emotional space from me and needs to end the marriage.
I told her I understood her frustration but a number of factors have made this a difficult time for me, including my mom's recent health problems (I'll be leaving in a few days to spend some time with her and will probably be gone 10 days).
I told her that I understood her unhappiness and resulting anger from the poor state of our marriage. I told her I was sorry for this.
She told me that we need to tell our kids about her intention to divorce when I return from visiting her mom. She said that we need to agree as to what to tell them. I agreed with her.
She said that it has been a struggle for her to do things with me and the kids over these past couple months (we have been still doing a fair number of activities as a family since she dropped the initial bomb over three months ago). She said that she should not have to feel forced to do these activities. She did say that she enjoyed herself during our Friday night outing and it was the first time in a while that she had fun with me. She said that she hoped we could be friends at some point in the future but it will probably be a while before this happens.
We talked briefly about the kids and the events of the day. This part was pleasant chit chat.
She again said that she realizes that I don't want the marriage to end, but she does and that she will not waver from her decision. She said that she is disappointed that the marriage had failed, and that she shares in my disappointment. She bid me a good night and said she hoped I could sleep. I also told her good night.
What do I do now?
Me: 45 W: 45 S: 12 D: 9 M: 16 T:22
Bomb: 4/20/2011 Says she moves out in July with Kids Discovered Affair: 6/10/2011 She files for divorce: 8/18/2011