I also applaud you for what you're doing! Mental illness is just that - an ILLNESS and it's considered that in the Medical books. Anyone who wants to know can go READ. I don't like judgmental people, and if anyone gives you a hard time, just tell them to go read up on it.

As for guilt, I don't know why you have it either, but you need to get RID of it. What you are doing is ADMIRABLE!! How many fathers these days would go to this extreme for their children? I think what you're doing is absolutely wonderful, and you're an exceptionally GREAT father! Since there IS the FMLA, why shouldn't we use it when it is absolutely necessary -- and it IS in your case! And why should you feel guilty for doing so? It makes no sense, my friend. The Act was put in place for situations like yours --- and you are NOT abusing it. You're using it just for the reason it was put in place.

You've "searched your soul" and you KNOW you're not abusing this. You KNOW you're using the FMLA for the reason it was enacted. So there is no logical reason for this guilt. You've heard it from others - now it's time to remove it from yourself. You CAN do this. Put the word guilt on a piece of paper, and go bury it in the back yard. This works for some people -- it might work for you. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee