Being vulnerable is difficult, thus your W's protective wall. But I hope you find that one you put your toe in the water a few times it gets easier. It has for me.
2 lines that have helped me through a lot: Let go and Don't take everything personally.
What does "(kids)...were horrible" mean? Were they really horrible or were their behaviors not what you wanted?
Did you and W agree in the past on parenting issues?
Me 57/H 58 M36 S 2.5yrs R 12/13
Let me give up the need to know why things happen as they do. I will never know and constant wondering is constant suffering. Caroline Myss