Just left my attorney’s office after signing the separation agreement. Just over 9 months since she told me she was done. Her cash and prizes - $400k. $200k in house equity and $200k from my retirement. 22 years together and she gets paid to unilaterally end our marriage and break apart our family. That will never make sense to me.

Sitting at a tavern now on my way back home to “celebrate” with a beer at the end of this torturous process and the first song that is playing is Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. But do I wish she was here? That’s an easy answer, No.

Her mask came off a while ago when she told me she’s entitled to my retirement so she’s not disadvantaged. How in the world an individual can be disadvantaged with an earned income over $150k is not something I can comprehend.

At least it’s over. I put a self imposed hold on my life until signatures were on paper. Nothing else to worry about now. I’ve done the crying, I’ve been through the panic and anxiety attacks and I can now truly let go. My grieving of what was has concluded, I can feel it in my bones. The greatest weight I’ve ever carried has been lifted and I feel free. Free to live life for just me and my kids (18 and 16).

This has been the worst thing I have ever experienced, as you all know going through it yourselves, but I made it. I made to the other side and it feels good. The path ahead is what I make of it and it’s going to be great.