I was married 26 years. We divorced when our kids where 20 & 25. My new life took some getting used to. Everything for me changed all at the same time. Our 25 year old lived out on his own and our 20 year old was away at college but was home for the summer when ex and I separated/divorced. I moved back to hometown 2 states away, so I left my home, job, etc.. My daughter planned to move to be with me after she graduated in 3 more semesters and my son had already planned to move south, several states away. So here we were this family of 4, and suddenly scattered.

I'm happier than I've ever been, but I am 6 years out from divorce. While I was very depressed for a while, it was the best move I could have made.

Mine was a 33 year marriage by the time the divorce was final. Our daughter had married but the divorce hit her hard. The last ten years of our marriage the ex worked overseas and I was trying to make a home for us on 34 acres of trees and dirt. He was always distant and it never got better. I knew something wasn't right in our marriage but he wouldn't come back to the states to work. My therapist helped me to see that the ex was a Narcissist and I read all I could find. My reading explained so much and why I had to leave. I found out he had married a Chinese girl while he was overseas and left a little boy in the Philippines. I ran for a divorce that took 19 months to get.

I'm happy and doing well. The ex did come back to the states with his new wife and lives two states away. He never sees our daughter or our little grand kids. I made my home on that 34 acres of trees and dirt. I'm six court hearings and almost ten years away from the divorce. I love where I live and I love what I am doing for now. I board older horses to help with the bills. Yes, the farm was deeded to me and I've managed to pay off the mortgage. My life is so different from being married to the ex and so much better than I ever thought it would be.

These are great replies for those of us new to the divorce process-thank you for sharing your stories.

Yes! I agree, Thank You for sharing. My daughter starts college in the Fall and I am making my preparations now. I know its going to be really hard. But reading your stories, truly make me feel like I'll be okay (Especially when you cant share whats going on with your family & friends)

I say thank you also, for the great sharings. Mine will be 33 years when my teenager leaves for college in two years. I draw courage and hope from your stories, thinking that my life does not have to end in divorce.

Hopefully won't make the 30 year mark. Oldest is a freshman in college, youngest still at home, a junior in HS. Divorce occurring at the same time as the nest empties is a double whammy. There's a lot of time to fill and a definate ache in the heart. It was so sad for me when the oldest left last fall, but he does return, and it's a part of life. As for stbx, there will be no sadness when he leaves. Have been waiting to get him out of my life for going on 2 years now.

Thank you