I'm having a hard time looking my kids in eyes and telling them that they can't be with their daddy because I don't trust him to keep them safe.
you are telling them THE TRUTH and you are putting their safety FIRST. that is not something to feel bad about. that is your JOB. the kids are probably inwardly relieved to not have a drunk father in the house.
my thoughts are if someone TELLS me they no longer want to be with me, and want to permanently separate, divorce, what-have-you, then i sure as hell ain't gonna fling myself around their ankles and beg. i'd be too busy pulling out the suitcases to help them pack.