@Crady: no problem, it happens often. lol.

Hey, what am I chopped liver?!?

I'd like to eat your liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti..

Ewwwww

Sorry I love that friggin line.

Me too! And love the last line about having the director over for dinner...

@mallory: (1/2) Hey dear! I'm very sorry that your children have had to suffer for his ignorance. From reading the post, we don't know the circumstances of which led to the separation. (Which honestly, in this case doesn't matter) Now,in my personal opinion, regardless of not wanting to take care of your children, and having a "fresh start", your ex is not being a father. He may be a Dad, but there is a big difference. I can only imagine how it must feel you to watch your children feel that abandonment pain. My little brother will be 4 in August, the only Father he knew was our stepdad. Who passed away of heart failure in September of 2012. He doesn't quite understand death (what 3 year old would?) but he asks all the time, When is Wayne coming home? Or I miss Wayne. And we have to explain to him that he's with the angels in heaven now. I completely understand that this is not the same case, but in certain ways, both my brother and your children are lacking the knowledge to understand.

@mallory: (2/2) Now, enough with the babbling. You are a strong, independant woman. The answer to your questions, in the end, can only be answered by you. My advice about him, you can't help someone who won't help themselves. You can lead a horse to water, but can't force him to drink. In the end, you have 2 options... 1: Sit around "waiting on world to change". Or 2: Take charge of the situation, and do what is right in your heart. Everyones "right" is different. We can only tell you what to do, and give you personal advice. But only you can make it happen. Good luck dear! Hope this was, at least, a bit helpful! Keep stong for your little ones! They need you most right now.