I'm very happy for you. You sound good, sounds like things are going just the way you hoped they would. And I'm glad to hear that you are proceeding slowly. Keep in mind that saying the right things and doing the right things are two different matters.
You seem to know what you want your life to be like. You seem to have a clear picture in your head of what you could have if everything was the way it should have been all along. Now stick to that! You're right not to settle. None of us should have to.
You've read plenty of these threads, so you have some idea of how these returns generally work. Stick to your decisions, don't be willing to accept a return to the ways of old. My FIL was always very fond of telling me "the proof is in the pudding" when he talked to me about the things I was working on when my marriage began to falter. And he's right. Words are easy. Actions are what matters.
As for your children, I am happy for S10. Boys tend to miss their fathers I think, so it's good that he is getting that comfort back. And for you D13, share with her as much as you can what you've decided, what your standards are, and let her know that you're not going back to the way things were. If she's a fighter, and I'm guessing she is, she'll stand beside you and help keep you from faltering. And if she loves you dearly, which I'm also guessing she does, she will stand beside you and support the desires of your heart.
I truly wish you the best. Anytime you need anything, all you have to do is holler. It's been fun following you on your journey, actually more than fun.
Blessings southern girl,
Bill
"Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon."
