This is one of the best things you've ever written - and the bravest. It is filled with all the heartbreak, confusion, and nuance of being a messy human being.

And if you don't mind me offering this perspective: You aren't "leaving." The terms of your relationship have been changing over the course of the past few years - and that has been instigated by BOTH of you. You both participated in that. And that is okay. But as those changed terms evolved, it came to evolve into a bigger change in the terms.

But all of it is simply a change in the terms of the agreement. That's it. You have kids which means, indeed, you will forever be in relationship with one another for the rest of your lives. Your relationship will go on forever. You aren't leaving. You aren't "ending" it. There is no possible way to end it.

It is changing. That is all. It's no less painful or difficult than if you were really to walk away and genuinely cut all ties - but still...be comforted by the fact that the threads you have woven together as a family will never be cut. <3