nowcemsi, that must have been horrific for you, and I'm glad you're able to pull your life together after this.

emilykate- please please know that you would never be punished for making the decision you did. I know how easy it is to slip into the guilt thing, especially when you're in the middle of something like this, but know that you made a decision that was right for you at that particular time in your life. There is no punishment for that.

I'm glad you're clear that you will not give up your children. And yes, there is definitely life after divorce. It might seem now that there is no light at the end of the tunnel but I'm remarried and I know that it's possible to meet someone wonderful. You deserve happiness, and you deserve to have a partner that will treat you with love and respect. Believe it will happen because it is possible.