Hi Gab,

I really haven't answered too many of your posts, but this one really hits home. I have an 8 year old son who has alot of issues with his father, my husband, quite a bit.

My husband has no patience with him, hurts his feelings, yells, calls him names (four letter and others), and I get to clean up the pieces that my son falls into.

Awhile ago, I told my son that one day it would be just him and I.............want to know his response? "At least there won't be anymore sad faces, Mom".

Children know - their feelings get hurt, etc. My son knows his dad loves him in his own way - but that isn't enough.

I know you've been flucuating back and forth about your home situation. I've been in mine for 10 years and I'm still kicking myself daily. I only got married for my son's sake (we've been married 7 years) and I've been biding my time for way too long.

He drains me mentally and financially...........if it wasn't for my son, I wouldn't go home.

You can't protect her heart - you stay, she gets hurt.......you leave, she gets hurt. The big difference is that one is ongoing, and the other will subside over time.

Find the strength to do what is best for you and your child, the same way I need to...........

<font color=purple>The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.
Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine, September 2002<font color=purple>