Marilyn, I'm so sorry for the suffering both you and Jay had to live; it's powerful you exited that difficult situation even with such young children. As so many have said one can't help but feel terribly sorry for the agonizing pain Jay went through as a young man. Too many of us women in our younger years to do hope to "fix" and help be the catalyst to bring them to a happier, fulfilling life.

You're a great writer -- and while I look forward to reading your parts 2 and 3 -- I read in your comments that it doesn't get prettier. aw...I hate sad endings.😞