Dear lynn,

Please forgive me once more for not responding promptly--I wasn't online yesterday at all. Also, please know I say this in the utmost sincerity, concern, and friendship--your home life sounds almost unnavigable to me. My heart goes out to you and your girls. I am grateful you have found some solace here on PC, and in turn you provide such wonderful advice and perspective to so many folks here. I always appreciate your posts, and look forward to "running into you" here at the forums.

It's very sad your husband has taken the low road and whittled down what I'm sure was once a promising, fulfilling relationship for you both to a battle of wills and union in name only. Regardless of how much pain and misery I've personally witnessed, and how much more negativity I know exists in the world, I'm always shocked and appalled when I come across yet another human incapable of empathy and seemingly hell-bent on destroying everything in their wake with their own selfishness. I'm deeply sorry you've been subjected to such harrowing disregard and a total lack of appreciation by your husband. You don't need me to tell you that you certainly deserve none of it.

You mentioned having started a degree--is there any way you could go back to school now or in the near future? Most of your credits are probably viable, and you could attend part-time too. Your tuition may be subsidized as well, as a full-time mom finishing your education.

Thank you also for the sweet things you said about me in your post, lynn. Through everything with which you're dealing, you still have a few kind words for me. That's amazing, seriously.

I still hope there is another way by which you may find solutions to your situation beyond endurance, lynn. My heart still goes out to you, and you have my support and friendship whenever you may want or need it.