Iriesistah - I never intended for you to feel obligated to make any public answer to my comments. I only wished to play devils advocate in part and to give you some points to really consider as a means of improving your situation. SO please, do not feel that I am trying to get you to share more than you should. Actually, it is better that you don't. Let the story of your Jamaican adventure be a creative outlet for you.

That having been said, I would encourage you to do some serious soul searching and to take responsibility for those things you can change. Do you want your boys to grow up viewing you as nothing more than a doormat? What kind of men do you want them to grow up to be? Consider your options. Some good suggestions have been made here on this board. If you can't seem to get the will to do it for yourself, then perhaps you can do it for your children. Just as you managed to have this vacation, you can manage to set aside personal funds, make plans and take steps to regain control over your life. He may be controlling the purse strings but he cannot control your spirit unless you let him.

I wish you all the best. On a lighter note, I look forward to seeing some more of your Jamaican trip photos.