Nancy, as many of us with dissolved marriages have learned after the pain subsided, it is not an ending, but a beginning to a new you and what will eventually be seen as a wonderful new life. I know - been there. Family, friends and I are heading for Paris in two weeks - life is good.

Nancy <BR> <BR>So pleased to hear Italy was all you had hoped it would be. <BR> <BR>Sad that you are going through a sad time but wishing for the very best for you, for your children, and even for your husband. <BR> <BR>Much love (I won't try the ascii heart as it failed so abysmally last time!) <BR> <BR>Kavey

Nancy, I'm so glad that your trip was everything you dreamed it would be, and I'm glad that you were able to give your kids (and yourself) the kind of memories you wanted. <BR> <BR>I remember some of your questions from way back and I'm definitely curious (though I can wait for the trip report) whether you sought out balsamic vkinegar and, even more, if you wore your bikini! (Since you're still here, I'm assuming you didn't go topless and get murdered by your kids.) <BR> <BR>Funny topless beaches in Italy anecdote: apparently no one warned my BF before he traveled to Italy with his family when he was around 13, and so, by his account, his first day at the beach, he was utterly stunned (and very impressed...). <BR> <BR>And, BTW, your kids will ultimately get through it okay in large part because you are taking pains to do it the right way for them. (JMO as one who went through it as a child with parents who made that effort.) <BR> <BR>Best of luck.

It is just a shame that your children will think of the trip to Italy as the "trip where Dad left when we got back". Best wishes from a complete stranger, Rita.

Hi Nancy, <BR> <BR>Just picked up this thread (was curious about all those messages to Nancy). I've been through the same thing, four years ago when my kids were 8 and 3. The good news is we're all thriving. If you and your husband can handle things sensitively and thoughtfully, the kids should do fine. If you want to contact me directly, feel free. <BR>

Rita - I wish I could erase that post! It's not necessary to say things like that.

Nancy: <BR>Glad you are back safe and sound and had a great trip! <BR>Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts. <BR>We are surviving, even though "reality" is just starting to sink in. <BR>Kavey, <BR>I loved your "heart" and I know you are sending me another one in your thoughts. <BR>Capo, <BR>Yes to Borghese. <BR>Beautiful! <BR>and before we were all let in, I got involved, much to the embarrassment of my children (and even husband), in a conversation with an 84 yr. old italian gentleman. <BR>we had a great time, mixing italian and english and talking about everything from my children, to Atlanta (Georgia) the place of Gone With the wind. <BR>Caitlin, <BR>no to the Balsamic, just blew out of my mind, I guess. <BR>and yes to the bikini, but you are correct to the topless business (no go with my children there). <BR>Hope to get a report out soonish. <BR>Glad to be back, even if some of the same bickering is still going on. <BR> <BR>Italy was a real life-saver, and I wish I was back! <BR>But, dreams of "next time" will sustain me for now. <BR>