No Sunshine, it's THEIR problem. Your kids will make it through this because you are an outrageously strong woman and a great mom! I was always so struck about how my parents treated our separation compared to how my H's parents treated our separation. And mind you, my parents have 6 marriages between them and his parents have been married over 40 years. My parents reached out to my H. My mother told him that no matter what, he'll always be her son. She kept the lines of communication open. My in-laws cut me off. And told my H that if he was unhappy, he should leave.
Well, it stunk. I felt like an outsider. I felt bad about myself and unworthy. My FIL stood at my wedding and gave a stirring speech about how I was the daughter he always wanted but never had. He was proud to have me and that I would always be his daughter. Until... lol
Anyway, it's the difference between personality and character isn't it? The personality says all the right things but it's the person with character who DOES the right things. It's been a nasty journey. It wouldn't be the first time that I ran across someone who lacked strength of character... plenty of that along the way. BUT, I have met wonderful people who I know sure as anything will be there for me. I've been at my absolute worst and these people crawled into the hole with me. NLW, find those people. Start trusting others and let them in. Give yourself the chance to be loved by those who will count throughout your life. I cut everyone off and that was a mistake. I was so embarrassed about what had happened. But it wasn't me who should have been embarrassed! My H cheated, my H lied, my H left, my H drank. He did that. Not me. That reflected his bad character, not mine!
Yes, it gets a lot easier when they aren't around. It's amazing. Keep moving forward. And keep in touch as best you can. I truly do think about you all the time. I'm praying for you.
