My ex and I talked and cried for an hour this morning. It ended up that he couldn't go into work because he was too upset, and had started spiraling, so he called and asked me to pick him up.

Turns out that he was upset about my wording on this fundraiser, because he's been trying to be supportive and helpful. He is not the guy he was 4 years ago, the last time I tried to leave. (If there's one good thing that came out of Trump's election, it's my husband becoming a lot more liberal - he was a conservative libertarian 4 years ago.) He said he's upset I'm leaving but he also knows I need freedom, and that he's proud of me. Also, he's scared about all the responsibilities he's going to be taking on. He's never had to be on top of kids for chores, or make dinner every night, or any of this stuff (our 21-year-old is currently in charge of a lot of that, but she intends to also move out by October).

Unfortunately, things are pretty difficult for him at this time because in addition to my leaving, both of our vehicles, as well as the new riding lawnmower, have broken down. He's feeling the pressure both personally and financially.

All that to say that I wanted to make you all aware that although my husband misses me and hopes for reconciliation, he's being supportive and allowing me my freedom. He has known I was chafing under being a housewife for a long, long time, which is why he supported me through the process of going to school last year. What financial support he can continue to provide me is up in the air because of the breakdowns, but he's supporting me in other ways that do count.

Thank you for your continued support, and I will continue to keep you updated.