I'm sorry to hear that so many of you are going through such hard times. I don't know what kind of words of comfort I can give, so I will just send some (((hugs))).

Angie, I'm sorry to hear about your marriage. I am responding to your post because I have a father who was extremely controlling and verbally abusive. My mom was married to him for nearly 30 years, and I had to live with him for almost 16 before my mom finally left (My brother was already 20 and he has a lot of issues from living with him).

She left because of me- I was completely miserable. But you know what, she never regretted leaving for a second and it's been nearly 9 years. I wish she could have left for herself, but I guess if she left for me that was good enough because I was just as happy to leave. If you cannot leave for yourself, then leave for Buddy and Sierra because they depend on you just like I depended on my mom.

Please, you can do this for yourself and your pets. (((Hugs))) to you.