Great job, SK. I remember the day I left my second husband. It was sad and upsetting, but internally I felt calm and convinced I was doing the right thing. A few months later, I moved back across the country and went back to my old job and rebuilt my life. It was simpler for me than for a lot of people--the hardest part about the cross-country move was leaving my kiddos (who stayed back in the state where we were living, with their dad--my first husband). But first husband was EXTREMELY supportive and I knew he would cooperate so I could stay as connected to the kids as possible. I had no kids (thank God) with the second husband.
I have never, for one second, regretted leaving him. I was sad about the necessity, but it WAS necessary for my own mental health and well-being. And as far as I know, he is still drinking himself to death.