I started dating my soon to be ex-husband when I was 18 and he was 20. I was a senior in high school and he a sophomore in college. That was almost 27 years ago. We will be married 24 years in June, the month our di...

I started dating my soon to be ex-husband when I was 18 and he was 20. I was a senior in high school and he a sophomore in college. That was almost 27 years ago. We will be married 24 years in June, the month our divorce will be final.

I thought I would grow old with him, but the problem is: he never grew up. He made promise after promise but they were sadly empty. He never really left his parents, they were the most important thing to him. Whatever they thought, said, or wanted came first. They treated our children like second class grandkids.

I asked, begged, and pleaded for him to go to marriage counseling. He went twice on his own and said the counselor deemed him cured. I new this was false, cause I saw the same person. Finally, finally I understood. He would never have my back. He insisted he wanted to stay married. Why I asked him: because he wanted to honor his vows made before God. Not because he loved me and was committed to making our relationship work.

I have grieved for almost 2 years and now feel ready to move on.

One of the best parts of ending my marriage was the time I spent last year with just my kids in a relatively turmoil free home. They were happy to have their dad gone from the house. I was just more relaxed. My youn...

One of the best parts of ending my marriage was the time I spent last year with just my kids in a relatively turmoil free home. They were happy to have their dad gone from the house. I was just more relaxed. My youngest two graduated from high school last May and now I have an empty nest.

I have found that I like the peace and quiet when I get home from work. I really like having the bed to myself, although I share it with my two"girls" (dogs). I like eating what I want, when I want. Sure sometimes it can get lonely. But I was so alone when he lived here - this actually be on my own is heavenly.

I am only in my mid 40's so I have a lot of living to do. I am positive there will be someone or a few someones who will pass through my life. There might even be a special someone to grow old with, but I am fairly content to grow old with myself.

It feels good to be me.

This part has been the best. I have discovered some wonderful things about myself. And the courage to jump into my future.

I am applying to Grad schools and going to pursue a big dream of mine - Master'...

This part has been the best. I have discovered some wonderful things about myself. And the courage to jump into my future.

I am applying to Grad schools and going to pursue a big dream of mine - Master's degree, then Doctorate. My kids are proud of me and I have found some old friends to reconnect with.

I still have days when the doubts creep in, but that is normal. Everyone has doubts and bad days.

My future is bright and I really like me.