Let's all help Clint!

[Bear]

You'll all think I'm pretty hokey I guess for starting this sort of thing; but I really do believe in the power of prayer--especially when it's for someone else, and for a good cause like this.

Let's face it: I think most of us probably come from a generation of broken homes, and divorcee parents. And that on the whole, only adds to society's ills. I for one, could never wish that on my worst enemy.

So, whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Athiest, Agnostic, or what have you, I say that if we all at least send out some good thoughts for these two to get back together peacefully, things will work out by months end.

Religious can say a prayer today and every day until the end of the month.

Non-religious, can jsut send out a positive message.

Let's do it every day to ourselves until matters are set right.

[Elegance Liberty]

Count me in.

Actually, I'll do a novena for him as well, (A novena is a Catholic thing. It's kinda hard to explain...) in the hopes that things will get better for him and fast.

[Dan Apodaca]

Actually, from the description he gave, it sounds like he's better off without her.

[Bear]

Actually, from the description he gave, it sounds like he's better off without her.

I think every marriage is worth saving.

[Dan Apodaca]

I think every marriage is worth saving.

You should take a trip down to the battered women's shelter.

[Bear]

You should take a trip down to the battered women's shelter.

I didn't say that I didn't think they all could use work, Dan. Please stop being pessimistic for once. This isn't the place.

[Dan Apodaca]

I didn't say that I didn't think they all could use work, Dan. Please stop pessimistic for once. This isn't the place.

That's not pessimism. That's awareness. A husband who beats his wife is often not able to be "fixed".

Please stop trying to force people to get along. He might be better off without her. I wouldn't want a wife who held it against me for suffering from depression and then used it to take away custody of my children. Those are two terrible things to do to a person.

He shouldn't suffer through that anymore. It's not pessimism, it's practicality.

[Donald M.]

I didn't say that I didn't think they all could use work, Dan. Please stop being pessimistic for once. This isn't the place.

A marriage in which the husband habitually abuses his wife does not "need work" it needs to end. Preferably in widowhood.

[Bear]

That's not pessimism. That's awareness. A husband who beats his wife is often not able to be "fixed".

Please stop trying to force people to get along. He might be better off without her. I wouldn't want a wife who held it against me for suffering from depression and then used it to take away custody of my children. Those are two terrible things to do to a person.

He shouldn't suffer through that anymore. It's not pessimism, it's practicality.

I'm not going to argue with you Dan. You have to have forgiveness in your heart; otherwise, you are born to suffer.

[Bear]

A marriage in which the husband habitually abuses his wife does not "need work" it needs to end. Preferably in widowhood.

Yeah, my dad was a drunkard asshole; but I realize that was a part of his growing up without a father, or a decent home too.

It takes a man to stop the violence.

Kids need their parents, if they can have them.

If you want to argue symatics, start your own thread.

[Dan Apodaca]

I'm not going to argue with you Dan. You have to have forgiveness in your heart; otherwise, you are born to suffer.

No. Continually forgiving someone who hurts you, and allowing them to continue to do so?

That's a lifetime of suffering.

[Dan Apodaca]

Kids need their parents, if they can have them.

I agree, for the most part. That's why I think she's wrong for trying to take custody away from him. That's a shitty thing of her to do.

And there's no reason that the kids can't still see both of the parents if they get divorced, and share custody.

[Donald M.]

Yeah, my dad was a drunkard asshole; but I realize that was a part of his growing up without a father, or a decent home too.

It takes a man to stop the violence.

Kids need their parents, if they can have them.

If you want to argue symatics, start your own thread.

My dad was a drunk asshole too. Both of his parents were there for him growing up.

Of course, his dad was a drunk asshole too, but that doesn't mean my dad had to be. I know this because I am not a drunk asshole.

[Donald M.]

On topic, Clint gets my good thoughts and support.

May he retain custody of his children while amicably ending his marriage to this woman who is trying to do this horrible scummy thing to him.

And may she realize what she's doing is horribly scummy and feel bad about it and be reasonable.

[Bear]

On topic, Clint gets my good thoughts and support.

May he retain custody of his children while amicably ending his marriage to this woman who is trying to do this horrible scummy thing to him.

And may she realize what she's doing is horribly scummy and feel bad about it and be reasonable.

Pray for the both of them Don.

[Dan Apodaca]

Pray for the both of them Don.

Getting a little demanding now, aren't you?

[Donald M.]

Pray for the both of them Don.

What has she done to be prayed for?

He went through some terrible stuff and she's using it as an excuse to end their marriage and keep his kids away from him.

I don't hope she dies, or gets horribly maimed or anything like that. That's as far as my charity extends.

[Bear]

What has she done to be prayed for?

He went through some terrible stuff and she's using it as an excuse to end their marriage and keep his kids away from him.

I don't hope she dies, or gets horribly maimed or anything like that. That's as far as my charity extends.

We don't know their situation, Don. And Clint seems to really love her. If she is being selfish, then she obviously needs prayers too--to become a better person.

Maybe that's why she married Clint in the first place: because she knew he was a good guy that could make her a better person.

[Donald M.]

Maybe that's why she married Clint in the first place: because she knew he was a good guy that could make her a better person.

Doesn't look like it worked.

I'm no fan of divorce in place of working things out, but not all marriages can or should be saved.

Granted I don't know everything about Grant's situations, just what he's said. What he's said suggests that his feelings for her aside, he may well be better of without her.

He should still be in his children's lives though. Her life as well. People can and have divorced and remained some level closeness and/or friendship. Which doesn't mean they should have stayed toghether. Some people just can't be married.

Of course, my experience in all this is limited and I'm full of shit but hey, Clint absolutely has my good thoughts and well wishes.

Praying for him didn't really warrant a seperate thread and the idea that all marriages should be saved is niave, but I recognize that you feel that way because of some basic goodness or hope in you.

Still naive.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Clint I'll wish for the best for you. Thats all I can do and I hope things go ok. But I agree with Donald M , sometimes people just grow apart and that happens in life.

I'll pull for you and her. Good luck with it all.

[Gumbo Maximillian]

Pray for both of them I suppose but inregards to marriage and divorce, maybe divorce was for the best?

Maybe prayer should include the possibility of divorce?

[Dan Apodaca]

It appears that others agree with me, and yet, I bet I'm the only one who got an angry PM.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

It appears that others agree with me, and yet, I bet I'm the only one who got an angry PM.


I agree with you. If the Marriage is cleary on the rocks and it has been awhile , and counsling is outta the question ; what do you do ? Stay togethor and be misrable for the children ?

Its a shame she's leaving him and using his depression to keep the children from him and its a shitty thing to do. But why would you want 2 people who can't get along to stay togethor ?

[Mike Smash!]

I think every marriage is worth saving.

Not every one. I'm quite glad that my parents are divorced. I'll send out good thoughts for him to heal from this, but sometimes even a messy, painful split is for the best.

[Donald M.]

It appears that others agree with me, and yet, I bet I'm the only one who got an angry PM.

You'd lose that bet.

[Bear]

Not every one. I'm quite glad that my parents are divorced. I'll send out good thoughts for him to heal from this, but sometimes even a messy, painful split is for the best.

Do you ever think that maybe the cause for so much Gen-X cynicism--that is particularly apparent on these message board--might at least be in part due to the selfish handling marriages on the part of the Baby-boom generation?

My parents are divorced too. As a matter of fact: they've each been married and divorced twice now.

And mostly: I'm glad that they aren't together--cause my dad threw me over a table once in a drunken/prozac induced rage (another thing boomers like: drugs and alcohol; especially together.)

But that doesn't mean that marriage can't be worked at, or shouldn't be worked at.

I was raised by my grandparents to a degree; and though you may say what you will about their generation: they still would never hit one another. They were a different calibre of people. And the type I think that didn't give up that easily on the important things in life.

If someone is being abused: well then, they have to get the hell out of there. But leaving someone over there inability to purchase your $200 Gouchie bags every week; or because they verbally argue with you over whose going to watch the kids, is a typical, selfish, whiney, narcissitic, boomer trait.

To me Clint implied that he really loved his wife; and as far as we know, they haven't through chairs at each other.

So I say: let's give help in the little way that we can to give them a second chance.

You want to call me naive. So be it.

But I'm no quitter either about things like that.

[Iangould]

Do you ever think that maybe the cause for so much Gen-X cynicism--that is particularly apparent on these message board--might at least be in part due to the selfish handling marriages on the part of the Baby-boom generation?

My parents are divorced too. As a matter of fact: they've each been married and divorced twice now.

And mostly: I'm glad that they aren't together--cause my dad threw me over a table once in a drunken/prozac induced rage (another thing boomers like: drugs and alcohol; especially together.)

But that doesn't mean that marriage can't be worked at, or shouldn't be worked at.

I was raised by my grandparents to a degree; and though you may say what you will about their generation: they still would never hit one another. They were a different calibre of people. And the type I think that didn't give up that easily on the important things in life.

If someone is being abused: well then, they have to get the hell out of there. But leaving someone over there inability to purchase your $200 Gouchie bags every week; or because they verbally argue with you over whose going to watch the kids, is a typical, selfish, whiney, narcissitic, boomer trait.

To me Clint implied that he really loved his wife; and as far as we know, they haven't through chairs at each other.

So I say: let's give help in the little way that we can to give them a second chance.

You want to call me naive. So be it.

But I'm no quitter either about things like that.


Yeah, curse those boomers for inventing divorce and alochol.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Sometimes people aren't quitters. But they can't get along even though one may love the other one still. This happens and I'm real happy my folks have went thru the good and bad times still togethor. They've managed to make it thus far 32 Years.

I as someone wish for that. I want that type of happiness. But a lot of times its not gonna happen for some. And I do feel for Clint. This is sad and he has my thoughts.

In the end....please don't send me an angry PM. I am so mentally and emtionally drained ok.

[thehod]

Good feelings are given out by me to everyone on this board, as a default, whatever their endevours may be.

But I suppose an extra one to Clint and his wife in hoping that they both get to a place in their lives where they are happy, wherever that may be, wouldn't hurt none either.

[DWEarhart]

That's not pessimism. That's awareness. A husband who beats his wife is often not able to be "fixed".

Please stop trying to force people to get along. He might be better off without her. I wouldn't want a wife who held it against me for suffering from depression and then used it to take away custody of my children. Those are two terrible things to do to a person.

He shouldn't suffer through that anymore. It's not pessimism, it's practicality.

Not to take sides, but speaking from experience as a friend of an individual who has experienced the same ordeal, I agree. Not every marriage is meant to last, especially these days, sadly, but children need a father.

Unless he is psychotic, and misguided.

But, any person with their heart and mind in the right place deserve the company of their own children.

[Mike Smash!]

Do you ever think that maybe the cause for so much Gen-X cynicism--that is particularly apparent on these message board--might at least be in part due to the selfish handling marriages on the part of the Baby-boom generation?

My parents are divorced too. As a matter of fact: they've each been married and divorced twice now.

And mostly: I'm glad that they aren't together--cause my dad threw me over a table once in a drunken/prozac induced rage (another thing boomers like: drugs and alcohol; especially together.)

But that doesn't mean that marriage can't be worked at, or shouldn't be worked at.

I was raised by my grandparents to a degree; and though you may say what you will about their generation: they still would never hit one another. They were a different calibre of people. And the type I think that didn't give up that easily on the important things in life.

If someone is being abused: well then, they have to get the hell out of there. But leaving someone over there inability to purchase your $200 Gouchie bags every week; or because they verbally argue with you over whose going to watch the kids, is a typical, selfish, whiney, narcissitic, boomer trait.

To me Clint implied that he really loved his wife; and as far as we know, they haven't through chairs at each other.

So I say: let's give help in the little way that we can to give them a second chance.

You want to call me naive. So be it.

But I'm no quitter either about things like that.

Bear, you need to calm down and please drop the "this generation/that generation" speech. It's irrelevent.

I have no doubt that Clint loves his wife. That was never the issue. Love isn't always enough to save a marriage, especially when IMO, this woman went way out of her way to hurt him, attacking him for his bout with depression and doing things that, to me, show that reconciliation isn't possible.

And sometimes, not only is it not possible, it's not healthy. Sometimes no matter how much you try, it can't be fixed and all you end up doing is hurting yourself, your children and your spouse by trying to force something to be something that it's not.

What hurts children in my opinion is teaching them by example that bad marriages where people go out of their way to hurt their spouses are things to be tolerated.

You don't have to hit one another or throw chairs for a relationship to be irreconcilable and the fact that it even got to this level tells me that it's never likely to get much better. There are lines I would never cross with a loved one, no matter how mad I got at them.

Like using one's temporary depression as a weapon against them. That's despicable.

And it's a sign that no amount of counseling is likely to fix the situation.

I wish Clint the best and all the strength he'll need to get through this.

[Spike-X]

Yeah, curse those boomers for inventing divorce and alochol.
And domestic violence, apparently.

[Spike-X]

Not to take sides, but speaking from experience as a friend of an individual who has experienced the same ordeal, I agree. Not every marriage is meant to last, especially these days, sadly, but children need a father.

Unless he is psychotic, and misguided.

But, any person with their heart and mind in the right place deserve the company of their own children.
Damn right.

It's amazing how many women seem to think their husbands will just roll over and accept having their children taken away from them.

[DWEarhart]

Damn right.

It's amazing how many women seem to think their husbands will just roll over and accept having their children taken away from them.

It's not like they haven't been lead to think that way. The American court system has always been in favor of the mother.

The woman has to be far beyond fucked up in order for any judicial voice to grant the father custody of the child.

I raised my cousin for three years, because both her mother and father were wasted vagabonds, but her mother cleaned up, slightly, and was awarded instant custody, but only last week, I had to kick the same cousin out of her home (she's 15 now) because her mother "doesn't know what to do with her."

She was a fine, well respective girl before her mother came back. I was saddened when she was taken from me, and am more disappointed in what she's become since, because of her mother's lackluster care-giving.

These days, parents are afraid to be villains. Neither wants to be the bad guy, but it is a necessary ultimatum if the child is to grow up with any kind of discipline or respect.

If I'm talking out of my ass, please, feel free to tell me, but growing up without a father myself, I know first hand. My grandfather is the world to me, he took the place of what I was missing, or rather, did not know I was missing. You can't miss what has never been around.

[Jayna]

[QUOTE=DWEarhart]It's not like they haven't been lead to think that way. The American court system has always been in favor of the mother. QUOTE]

Since this thread has already drifted far away from it's original intent, I'm going to stick my two cents into this one before it devolves into another anti-female hatefest.

The court system is no longer in favor of the mother in any way. The term "father's rights" has become the buzzword in most family courts in this country & has been for many years. Joint parenting is the standard arrangement, and working mothers are paying child support to custodial fathers all the time. The idea that divorce courts give women a free ride is a myth.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Since this thread has already drifted far away from it's original intent, I'm going to stick my two cents into this one before it devolves into another anti-female hatefest.

Do you have us mixed up with another board?

Never seen that happen here.

Well occasionally, but the wimmins had it coming that time.


The court system is no longer in favor of the mother in any way. The term "father's rights" has become the buzzword in most family courts in this country & has been for many years. Joint parenting is the standard arrangement, and working mothers are paying child support to custodial fathers all the time. The idea that divorce courts give women a free ride is a myth.

Gotta say, that's a big load of BS right there.

No really, it is.

Lip service is paid to that at best - a guy might get more visitation rights, and might actually get some of his requests/demands met, but women are still way more likely to get full custody/the majority of joint custody.

[Jayna]

Maybe that's the case in AU, but it certainly isn't here. The chances of a woman getting sole physical custody are nil, it isn't an option here at all any more.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

Maybe that's the case in AU, but it certainly isn't here. The chances of a woman getting sole physical custody are nil, it isn't an option here at all any more.

Sure, sole custody is hard to get, but how many fathers get more than weekends?
And do you have any stats to back up your claims?

And it is easy for vengeful mothers, with the main part of the custody to play with that one.
(which is of course true, vice versa, but it's less likely for the father to get them for the majority of the time.)

[Bear]

Bear, you need to calm down and please drop the "this generation/that generation" speech. It's irrelevent.

Uh...that seems like a tactic: invalidating another persons perspective by causing an unnecessary distraction. Very political.

I didn't think I wasn't calm--I didn't use an exclaimation point after my name, at least, now did I?

[i_mmmchocolate]

There's got to be much more to this story.

I hope things do get better for Clint.

[Bear]

There's got to be much more to this story.

That's what I said.

[Clint Barton]

Thanks for the prayers and such. They really mean a great deal, particularly coming from strangers.

This is so darn hard and it's likely to get worse before it gets better.

However, I've decided not to be vindictive. There's no point other than satisfying myself. Besides, what kind of example would me being vindictive be for my sons? That's what keeps me "grounded" right now....my sons.

I can't rekindle her love for me it appears after trying to talk to her.

That, plus the emotions of the boys are "all over the place".

One tough part is that after rereading the papers all last night (no sleep really) it seems that she's trying to color me as being an absent (as in when I was depressed) father and that's the not anywhere near the truth. Neither is the fact that she's alluding that I'm always "emotionally unstable". That's certainly not the case! The past 2 years have been rough on us all...me in particular....the embarrassment of losing a great career job....not being able to provide for my family like I wanted to....getting unemployment checks....not getting any interviews for whatever reason....

I guess the toughest thing about this right now is the total shock.

I really wasn't expecting this type of thing and neither were the boys as they had no idea what my wife was doing.

I feel sad, vulnerable and ashamed right now. Angry...sometimes...but I'll get over that part....but the sadness isn't going to go away easily if at all.

Thanks again for the prayers and kind thoughts and I'm sorry that my personal situation caused such a stir.

I truly didn't mean it to be that way and had no idea about a seperate thread.

Please! I know that many of you are friends. Don't let this situation disturb your friendships. It's not worth it.

[Donald M.]

Thanks again for the prayers and kind thoughts and I'm sorry that my personal situation caused such a stir.

I truly didn't mean it to be that way and had no idea about a seperate thread.

Please! I know that many of you are friends. Don't let this situation disturb your friendships. It's not worth it.

No worries Clint, the friction in this thread has nothing to do with you.

[Bear]

Please! I know that many of you are friends. Don't let this situation disturb your friendships. It's not worth it.

Yeah, don't worry about it Clint. You're a good guy--we all know that.

[Mike Smash!]

Uh...that seems like a tactic: invalidating another persons perspective by causing an unnecessary distraction. Very political.

I didn't think I wasn't calm--I didn't use an exclaimation point after my name, at least, now did I?

No, you took it off subject and fell into one of those "kids these days are _____ because of divorce and booze" rants. It's totally irrelevant to Clint's case. If anything is a distraction, it's that.

As I said, not every marriage can, or should, be saved. Clint's wife took an action to hurt him that I can't fathom using on another human being, particularly a spouse.

It's probably for the best that this marriage ends. I just hope he can fight to keep access to his kids. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him that this ends and painlessly and fairly as it can.

[Uncle Nobs]

No. Continually forgiving someone who hurts you, and allowing them to continue to do so?

That's a lifetime of suffering.
Dan:
I believe in forgiveness when it strengthens you, not when it weakens you.

Clint:
I hope you find the resolution that you, your wife, and your kids need. In the end, the right path--whatever it may be--will likely be painful. I hope the pain passes quickly and you are all able to find the peace you need.

[lectatege]

[QUOTE=DWEarhart]It's not like they haven't been lead to think that way. The American court system has always been in favor of the mother. QUOTE]

Since this thread has already drifted far away from it's original intent, I'm going to stick my two cents into this one before it devolves into another anti-female hatefest.

The court system is no longer in favor of the mother in any way. The term "father's rights" has become the buzzword in most family courts in this country & has been for many years. Joint parenting is the standard arrangement, and working mothers are paying child support to custodial fathers all the time. The idea that divorce courts give women a free ride is a myth.

Yep, for every story of a mother 'unfairly' granted custody and being kept in the lap of luxury by her ex I can give you one of fathers who having hitherto shown little or no interest in matters domestic use the issue of custody and access as a method of control over their ex's lives regardless of the child's well being.
If there is a prejudice it may be founded in experience - when was the last time you heard of a mother killing herself and her children to spite her ex husband?

Nothing personal Clint as I am sure you are smart enough to appreciate, I'm sure you are a very caring and loving man.
There are no winners or losers in a divorce, whatever it may seem at the time.

[Clint Barton]

Thanks.

I sincerely appreciate the kind thoughts, prayers and words. They mean a great deal.

[Bear]

No, you took it off subject and fell into one of those "kids these days are _____ because of divorce and booze" rants. It's totally irrelevant to Clint's case. If anything is a distraction, it's that.

As I said, not every marriage can, or should, be saved. Clint's wife took an action to hurt him that I can't fathom using on another human being, particularly a spouse.

It's probably for the best that this marriage ends. I just hope he can fight to keep access to his kids. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him that this ends and painlessly and fairly as it can.

I'll save my comments for you for another time; it really is getting in the way. The stupidity of this whole side argument was not started by me though--I started the thread pretty plainly just to be positive toward Clint, and other people tried to derail it, because quite frankly: misery loves company.

[Iangould]

It's not like they haven't been lead to think that way. The American court system has always been in favor of the mother.

The woman has to be far beyond fucked up in order for any judicial voice to grant the father custody of the child.

I raised my cousin for three years, because both her mother and father were wasted vagabonds, but her mother cleaned up, slightly, and was awarded instant custody, but only last week, I had to kick the same cousin out of her home (she's 15 now) because her mother "doesn't know what to do with her."

She was a fine, well respective girl before her mother came back. I was saddened when she was taken from me, and am more disappointed in what she's become since, because of her mother's lackluster care-giving.

These days, parents are afraid to be villains. Neither wants to be the bad guy, but it is a necessary ultimatum if the child is to grow up with any kind of discipline or respect.

If I'm talking out of my ass, please, feel free to tell me, but growing up without a father myself, I know first hand. My grandfather is the world to me, he took the place of what I was missing, or rather, did not know I was missing. You can't miss what has never been around.

I have precious little regard for current Australian PM John howard btu he is at least paying lip-service to the idea of more equitable custody arrangements.

[Jade69/Legolaslady]

I think every marriage is worth saving.
I'll go ahead and agree to disagree then. But I will send positive thoughts that things will turn out for the best, whatever that may be.

[Jade69/Legolaslady]

Sure, sole custody is hard to get, but how many fathers get more than weekends?
And do you have any stats to back up your claims?

And it is easy for vengeful mothers, with the main part of the custody to play with that one.
(which is of course true, vice versa, but it's less likely for the father to get them for the majority of the time.)
My roomate, who is an excellent mother, in fine health mentally and physically gets her daughter every other weekend and 2 nights a week. her daughter stays with her dad the rest of the time.

[Winslow]

Good thoughts and prayers sent your way Clint.

[Cam63]

My sister's marriage failed because her ex is a selfish arsehole.

Nothing could've saved it, apart from her becoming a weak kneed slave.

[Ed Cunard]

Clint, seriously, all the best--you're a good egg, and I was wondering what happened when you weren't posting for a while.

The stupidity of this whole side argument was not started by me though--I started the thread pretty plainly just to be positive toward Clint, and other people tried to derail it, because quite frankly: misery loves company.

I thought it was the woods that you guys pooped in.

[Clint Barton]

Thanks again for the suggestions, prayers and support.

[Dan Apodaca]

I'll save my comments for you for another time; it really is getting in the way. The stupidity of this whole side argument was not started by me though--I started the thread pretty plainly just to be positive toward Clint, and other people tried to derail it, because quite frankly: misery loves company.

No, that's not true. You started a thread to be positive toward Clint's chances at reconciling his marriage. When others started saying that they didn't think it was in his best interest to save the marriage, you started making accusations.

Just like you do, here. Maybe you should concentrate on debating the actual points, instead of making psycho-analytical assumptions about people and what they think. That way, you wouldn't have to send out so many PMs telling people how they should and shouldn't behave.

[JeffreyWKramer]

That way, you wouldn't have to send out so many PMs telling people how they should and shouldn't behave.

He does that because he cares.

[Corrina]

I can't speak to Clint's marriage, I don't think anyone can know the truth of it save Clint & his wife, and even then they may see a different emotional truth. I just say this because I doubt anyone but my husband and I could tell the real truth about our marriage and I bet our takes would be a little different, too.

But positive thoughts for Clint & his wife being able to somehow work out a positive relationship, married or divorced, in the best interest of their kids.

In a general sense, a situation much like Clint describes could mean a bunch of stuff.

Being the parent of a special needs kid, I know how incredibly emotionally draining caretaking can be, especially when it's over emotional/mental health issues. In some cases (which may not be the case here), the one who's charged with being the caretaker can get extremely burned out, especially if all the support going outward from them and nobody is around to be a support system *for* them. This kind of imbalance occurs in a lot of marriages and usually it's cyclical, with one spouse having a bad time, then the other, and it comes out more even.

In a case where it's uneven (and I'm not saying Clint didn't emotionally support his wife--I have no knowledge of his specific situation), the party who's giving all the support is eventually going to find a break point.

I hope for the best for Clint & his family. It's definitely a rough situation and you have my sympathy, especially in trying to do the right thing for your boys. I know custody laws vary from state to state but I understand that older children usually have a stronger say in where they'll live than younger ones. So your sons may get to have a strong voice in the custody decision.