Well, hit the wrong key and she was off. Let me start again. Here is what I did:

1. I forced myself to stay active. I worked in the yard, fished, volunteered, etc. Being active and keeping up the positive parts of your life helps a lot with the depression.

2. Saw a counselor soon after the wife left. The counselor helped keep me on the right track.

3. Kept my emotions out of the Property Settlement. Its real tempting to do things out of anger, but that will only make it worse. In the end I got the things I wanted, bought the house back, but payed out a lot of money. As far as the money goes, I didn't dwell on it. I set a goal to earn back all that I payed out within three years. I exceeded that goal.

4. I forced myself not to dwell on the past but to look forward to the future.

5. I had good friends who gave solid advice and always reminded me that things woudld get better. They were right, it not only got better with time, but I am in better shape then I ever was.

6. I didn't date for a year. I used that time to get myself straight and on track.

The toughest part is splitting up everything and getting through the period until the divorce is final.

My best to both of you guys.

P.S.

I should have mentioned that my best friend who died was my Siberian Husky. I still miss him.