chrom. I see "some" of myself in your posts. Wondering if I was a good dad. all I can say, we do the best with the skills we were given/shown. Both you and I and others here, had a rough childhood.
True we thought we made it whan we went to work, got our degree but you know what neither one of us is done learning or improving. What you think you are now is not who you will become.
Your W needs to see that what you were doing, the improvements you made, were for you, her and the kids.
No Internet connection at the workshop???? How about a public library??? i think it would help to feel you can talk to your forum friends. Also get a calling card and call home often. (2 or 3 cents a minuet)
I want to see you here as often as you can get online.