If by "start over" you mean divorce, missbelle, well, I just wouldn't be able to do that. It's not to me a question of my "fate," I love this woman very much and care very much how she feels and what happens to her. She has no family of her own. She has no money of her own other than the tiny Social Security she gets every month.

I knew her folks very well. They were lovely people. And in a sense, maybe out loud, maybe without saying, I promised her mother that I'd take care of her. And considering my feelings toward my mother-in-law (very positive indeed), I don't think I could go back on that.

And she does need care. She's at that stage in life when you're in the process of losing the adult ability to take care of yourself. No. I just couldn't cut her loose. Out of the question. However much she hits me. Keep in mind that even doing her worst she doesn't hurt me. It's just sad.

Take care!