Elizabeth, It really sounds like you are making good decisions. Getting multiple opinions, going to a CCC, gathering your family and church family around you - all great decisions. You sound a bit more confident in your last post - a bit more focused. Thats good too.

Don't worry about being afraid. I was terrified about many of the things I experienced. But most of them were cases where I just didn't know what to do - fear of the unknown. This site can really help with that, to cut down on the unknowns for you.

Fear is smart. Fear gets you ready. Fear can help you focus. Let yourself fall apart once in a while - its really good for you. It drains away alot of the afraid. Let others help you when you are low. Don't worry about what they think at particular time. The only thing that matters is to win. Thats what all those people around you want - for you to win. Don't worry if your kids see you fall apart on occasion, because they will see you standing up and determined again later. What a great thing for them to witness.

Being strong doesn't mean you can't be afraid. Being strong doesn't mean you never feel overwhelmed. Being strong doesn't mean you don't get knocked down. Being strong just means you always get up again. We will help if we can. Be strong. Tom