[CPTAUSRET]

I lost an 18 year marriage (we waited til the kids were old enough to handle the divorce) because I was solid gone for 11 of those 18 years...It takes a hell of a woman to put up with that, and a smarter man than myself to realize that after being gone for a year or more at a time, a wise individual steps gingerly back into the nest.

While I was gone she assumed all responsibilities, she was father and mother, counselor, judge, and jury, etc, etc. I immediately, and foolishly attempted to usurp my position as head of the household upon my return, and the joyous homecomings would deteriorate into something else entirely.

Terry