DEAR ABBY: My mom and my wonderful canine companion passed away within six months. My husband has battled addiction for years. I discovered the extent of it after I had two small children and was ending our marriage. He went to AA, sobered up and was wonderful for the next 10 years. During that time, we had two more children.
We sacrificed enormously to give them everything, including college educations. Now my children rarely speak to me, and one won’t speak to me at all because of politics. My spouse has returned to his addiction. Grief over losing my two best friends has overwhelmed me. Although I am terribly lonely, I suffer terrible social anxiety due to a traumatic incident in my teens.
Six months ago, I moved into my mother’s home, which is jointly owned by surviving siblings. I love being alone. I keep myself busy, and I am enjoying the most peace I have ever had in my life. I have been diagnosed with PTSD and have had years of therapy. I don’t work. My spouse gives me an allowance, but living apart has resulted in my being in debt.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
