Wow! Thank you so much for this post! My AH left me 2 weeks ago and while I was and still am devastated, I realize now that it was the best thing that could happen for me and my daughter. I'm still going through hell because now I have to file for divorce and he's doing his best to try to manipulate and hurt me, but I know I'll get through that and become a stronger, better person in the end. Your post really opened my eyes to the damage he was causing our household. I actually feel like a much "free-er" person now. Free to walk around without being afraid to shake the apple cart, free to be ME!! It's great. I wasn't the one who left and can only imagine how hard that is, but maybe your post will encourage someone else to do it too. Good luck to you and your children!!!