The thing I've learned from this whole experience is I can only depend on me.

Me too...
And it feels soooooooooooooooooooo much better.

On the other hand, holding even a tiny bit of hope for reconciliation was emotionally hard at times. Would it have been just as hard if I had completely closed and bolted that door?

I often wondered @ this very thing,, BUT had I closed the door to free myself from the pain ( which sometimes was even tangible it felt like I was in the depths of H*LL),,,, I may not have had the oppurtunity to learn sooo much grow soooo much and love soooooo much .

I have grown so much and HOPE to never ever take my "M" or my "H" for granted ever again. And most of all have my Family back together sharing good times. To me it was worth all the pain,, would I do it again,, I DUNNO?

I hope never .........and that is the beauty of following this book and the principles you realize what a beautiful gift you have been given when you are Married and can live in love and respect and integrity.,and you continue to renew yourself and "work " on you so that your " M " will be better than it ever was,, and you remember the pain and live in the beauty of the day you have been given and keep working hard.
God bless...