Wife Still in MLC but has now left #4

[AJM]

but now that I am

Let's get one thing straight Matt. You always have choices. To not, would make you a victim and powerless. But you have choices.

You are just choosing the harder of the paths. I admire that. I think that's very difficult and especially difficult to do so knowingly for the sake of your kids.

In your situation, I've made the same choices. I am incredibly grateful I did. Although I've been flexible and willing to learn (and boy have I), I've lived my core values. There were some values I thought I had that it turned out were really not that important. But my core values? I've lived those come hell or high water.

I look in the mirror and like the guy I see. I look at how I've treated my kids through this and I'm happy to say I've done my best to protect them. It hasn't always looked how I thought it would, but with patience and a larger perspective, I'm very happy for my actions and thoughts.

I won't lie to you. It's not easy. It's a narrow path my friend. Not many can do it. Not many can see the end game. The long term vision. Not many can transition from what they were to what they will be very easily. Some get stuck somewhere between. But seeing that long term vision and having the integrity to stick to it regardless of the immediate consequences to get the long-term benefit for our kids? Priceless!

I would do it again in a heartbeat at any cost.

I've had my moments, Matt. I've had my anger. Sometimes still do. But I've noticed that's more when I lose my perspective and long-term sight. It happens. But I've learned to quickly re-group and regain my perspective. I've learned what's important and what's not and I choose my kids well-being over anything else.

That long term vision is very helpful, Matt. It's why I've asked. There no right or wrong answer that I can give you. But I can say that if you have it, it'll help you greatly

AJ