Well, you know what your bills are. And you have to be able to pay them. Are you going to work outside the home if you leave? I don't know if you've mentioned that or not. You get disability, don't you? If I remember correctly, I think you do. But I can't rely on my memory, since I have brain damage. (which i did to myself, by the way) My memory sucks.

Sweetie, you really can't worry about him if you do decide to leave. Your FIRST AND ONLY consideration is those children. He can get a 2nd job. Don't go soft on him -- he certainly never did for you. And like I said, you've GOT to think of those kids first -- of what they're going to need, and not 2nd-hand either!!! Going into middle school and high school is hard enough without wearing used clothing. Don't do that to them. I did that early on in middle school to my kids, and they were miserable --- so I had to stop.

So make sure you have your bills covered, plus extra for incidentals. Include everything you can think of --- don't forget medical like prescriptions, etc. And YOU are going to need new stuff too --- when is the last time YOU had anything new? Years, right? I thought so.

Whatever you decide --- we're with you. You've been thru holy heck. How you've lasted this long is beyond me. You've tried harder to save this marriage than anyone else I've ever known. So NO ONE can say that you didn't try! God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee