Thanks for all who responded so far. Wanted to tell you-I find myself drawn back to the computer, back to this website. I called my mom today, shared with her some insights you have given. She says she is proud of me, and she knew all along. Huh... She says she understands, and that my father spent most of his time in bars when we were kids. I don't really remember that being the situation, but they divorced while we were still small.

Her concern to me for now is mostly our two teenage girls and how they may perceive all that is happening in our household. I dont know how much they do or don't know, but I try my best to shelter them from anything that may cause them unhappiness. I am not sure when the right time is to share with them some of my new thoughts and feelings these past 2 days. I want to pass on my strengths...as soon as I can identify what they are, I guess.

But, for now, they seem happy and healthy and productive. That is all a mom can ask for, right?  Looking forward to reading all of your different posts. Hope all is well....

2cats2kids

Hi glad you are back. I hate to burst your bubble but I worked with kids for eighteen years, if something is goin on at home, they know. I was very aware of my parents when I was a kid. Sometiimes adults forget a lot of their childhood. You might want to sit down with your kids and talk to them. They may be keeping things inside and afraid to talk to you in fear of hurting you. It is no embarrassment that your husband has a disease. They will follow your lead in how you deal with it. There is ala teen for them to go to to share and learn. The more you educate yourself, the more you can educate them. I am having to help my twenty nine year old daughter now becuz she just realized how horrible a relationship is with an A. Keep coming back. love,debilyn

Hi 2kats2kids, I think that I have to agree with debilyn's post.  It may seem that your teenagers don't notice what's going on with their father, but kids notice more than what they let on.  As to how to handle it, I don't know.  It depends on your relationship with them and their ages, and of course the relationship they have with their father.  Take it slow and keep your ears open.  Wonderful that your mother is being supportive.   Keep coming back...SenoraBob.