Just need to ramble....

Good luck Maggie you are very brave to be doing what you are, just sorry you are having to move out and leave your dogs .

Some wonderful, thoughtful responses - thank you. Always good to know you’re not alone.
Maggiemay69 - all the best to you x

Maggiemay69 wishing you all the best, it's a brave decision but you must stay strong & start a new chapter in your life

I have had an eventful life, marred 3 times, landed lucky with no 3, we were married almost 21 years before he died. I then took the brave step of moving to be nearer DD & DGS1 3 years ago. I didn't have a new home so everything went into storage, stayed with DD for 2 weeks & then rented for another 5 weeks. Luckily I found a new home which I love. I've had to make new friends, take myself out of my comfort zone at times & I've joined 2 Meet Up groups. I have plans to join WI & a local club that has lots of activities.

I decided I could either become a "hermit" or get out & enjoy life, I do get anxious at times but whilst I can enjoy life to the full I will. I now have DGS2 (10 months old), love going to visit them. At the moment DM is still living independently at 89 about 300 miles from where I live so that's a long car journey twice a year, I hate the journey & worry that the time may come when I can no longer drive (I will be 63 in a couple of months), 70 is approaching fast but not as close for me as for those of you with an imminent Birthday.

My solution to my mind "running away" is to lose myself in a book

I'm another one who's turning 70 this year and looking back. The last 10 years have gone in a flash!
I'm also in the shadows. I moved country when we married and found I was part of his enormous extended family
Now and again I wonder how things might have been had I stayed.
No regrets though. I do forget my age sometimes and think I still have the energy and body of a much younger person.
As for a sense of achievement - just thinking of our grandchildren who wouldn't be here without me. makes me very proud.
Good luck to Maggy May. I hope you get the help you need and find peace and safety.

Dear Maggie May. I am so sorry to read of your troubles. I can now see why you posted on this thread.
Please speak to citizens advice and try the first free consultation with a divorce lawyer. You must be entitled to some of the value of your home.
Is there a dog rescue place near to where you are moving that might take your dogs until you are settled where you could visit them?
I wish you the very best of luck and admire your courage and bravery in taking this huge step.
Just a thought, could you not find grounds to have this man removed from your house and you stay put?

I think it is natural that milestone birthdays can make you look forward and back. My life has not been particularly remarkable though largely good. Sadly at 60 I lost my husband. I was 70 a couple of years ago and realised, looking back, I had wasted much of those ten years. But the last two years have given me a new lease on life with my daughter getting engaged, married and producing my first grandchild, and a new male friend whose company I so enjoy. Am determined to enjoy what years I have before me.

Good for you Greengage!

Oh. Maggiemay69. Your post brought tears to my eyes. I have suffered verbal abuse and was unhappy for many years.
I wish you all the luck in the world.
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