I think the character was maybe Bea Arthur's character in "Golden Girls?"  I'm not judging you, please don't get me wrong.  My story was very bitter; I do have a good relationship with my ex but I still can't abide the "step-monster."  It is a looonnnggg and very sad story and my middle child is still paying for it at the age of 25.  It was that element of the whole mess that made me so bitter - not losing him.  It was the damage done to the kids that hurt so much.  They stayed with their father because there were three of them and he made (and controlled) the money.  Two of them ended up in inpatient psychiatric care and, as previously mentioned, one is still suffering though he is grown enough to put it behind him.  I still blame myself for leaving the kids with him...it was a decision, though done with the best intent, that will haunt me forever...