I think what you feel is a protectiveness of your kids, if I read that correctly. It seems natural to me to be that way. I know I was for a very long time. Still am at times. Why? Because the kids, no matter what else happens, do not deserve what they got. As a father, we protect our kids and this, to me, feels like a time to protect them. Gets my parental instincts going.
I've faced that many times with my ex. MLC or not, there is no excuse for treating a child in the way they do.
But like you I am very grateful for the opportunity to be tested and to be there for my kids in a meaningful way.
Stay focused on being the kids' father. The rest will work itself out...
AJ
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" MLK Put the glass down... "Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
