Just wanted to thank this group for being so open and vulnerable. Your stories have helped, whether the situation was the same as mine or not. It seems we all go through relatively the same arc of emotions, some longer than others. And those of you who have moved past the sadness, anger, and grief and have moved on to acceptance have been the lighthouse in a dark storm.

For me it has been 2.5 years since separation and one year (in 4 days) since it was finalized. I don't know exactly how it happened. But this morning I woke up and went through my normal day. I didn't realize until just now at 8:45p, that I hadn't thought about her all day. And when I did think about her just now, it was merely musing at the fact that I feel indifferent. Wow! What a feeling. I feel like I could actually watch a movie about a couple and not cry all the way through it. I realized I have the most amazing bond with my 4yr old girl (just spent a whole week together for "summer vacation") and life is pretty good.

A few factors: I hit the bottle hard the first 2 years after separation and now, 6mos sober, I look and feel amazing. I'm the same weight I was when I was 21 for the first time in 20 years. I have a few girl-friends (not all sexual in nature) that I really enjoy hanging out with. They used to be replacements for what I was desperately missing. But now I see them as friends and lovers, not a shadow of my ex. They are all special and unique and not anything like my ex. And I truly appreciate being able to have a strong, confident, and trusting relationship with each of them. I didn't think I'd ever feel that way again.

So thank you all. I hope I can be an inspiration to anyone stuck where I was for so long. It does get better! You will see. Just hang in there.