Wow...Liddy...like EyesOpen, my A is my spouse and the relationship is not what I would call "easier" to deal with, just different.
The bond with a child is different, and must be extremely heart-breaking to you.
I'm working right now on experience joy in my life. Joy, unlike happiness, is not circumstantial.
I've heard that a cup of joy is the result of a cup of sorrow. If this is true, we should all be experiencing pots full of joy!!! Easier said than done, at times, but I do believe that without pain, we cannot experience joy.
Take care, Liddy. You are always an inspiration to me.
S