W also talked about leaving the kids (in general), and it was at this point that I said something about her leaving them for days, weeks, or even months for work.
W told me how she hates when she calls or FaceTimes us when she is away for work, and OS doesn’t show much interest in talking with her (because he’s usually so engrossed in playing or watching something). I also see this when I bring the boys home—OS asks if Mommy’s already home (she’s usually not at that point), and he gets sad / upset and expresses his wish that Mommy would be home. What does she think things will be like with divorce / separation?
She didn’t like that—that she has no choice to do that, and that for her work it provides for the family, and makes a safer world for them and this and that and the other.
I did tell her it is absolutely a choice for her, and that she is not as powerless as she thinks about that.
I also reiterated for her tonight that her happiness is a choice.
