For years I suffered from the John Wayne syndrome, where I would do anything to help others; however when it came to me asking for help, I always struggled. Today I realize that throughout my divorce, had I not reached out to friends, family, & support programs I would have not made it. My brother and sister were very instrumental in helping me through those rough times. They were there for me and my children. I once asked my brother what I could do to ever repay him for all of his help; his reply was just help someone else that is going through these tough times. Im new to this support group, however in this short time I have discovered again that Im not the only person going through these tough times. Some of the stories that Ive read are like my story, only names and places have been changed. I wish I could say that my life is great today and that I have recovered, however that would only be wishful thinking. For me I have come to realize that this is a journey of recovery with many bumps and turns to negotiate. I just wish I had more patience or the journey was not so far. What I have missed over the past several months is not only receiving love but also providing that care and compassion to the person I had once loved. For now I understand that I will never be the same person I once was, however with support from friends, families, and programs I know I can make it and hopefully grow from this experience.