Where to start? There are so many starts and stops when you leave a marriage of 38 years. Why did I stay so long if I was that unhappy? I continue trying to figure that out. When did I know it was hopeless? At various times. I cannot site one particular moment.

It’s excruciatingly painful to leave a marriage, particularly one of great length. Does that make it harder? I think so because with each passing year there are more things to consider, and more people will be hurt. This is a…