I had to spend money I’d rather have used for the children’s needs.

There were days I regretted ever meeting Oliver.

Then days I missed the companionship so much that I almost doubted my decision.

I learned to let those feelings pass without treating them as instructions.

Missing someone didn’t mean I should take him back.

Being angry didn’t mean I needed revenge.

Feeling embarrassed didn’t mean I had done something shameful by trusting a man who presented himself as loving and responsible.

I had made mistakes.

I had ignored warning signs.

I could acknowledge that without assigning myself responsibility for the plan Oliver and Eleanor made.