[Dentoid]

Michael we are all here as your extended family. Venting is encouraged and healthy. I for one feel honored that you would share such a sensitive subject.

It is normal to have feelings of anger, denial and depression when these kinds of life events take place. They can truly be life changing for all involved. It's a part of maturing and many times we kick and scream on our way to maturity and change.

You can not make these feelings go away, but you can lessen them by putting your feet in your mothers shoes and try to imagine the difficulty she had coming to this decision. In most cases these are not rash decisions, but long thought out and most times grueling decisions by the unhappy party.

Yes, yours and your brother's lives will change, but they are not ruined. You will have to make changes in the way you interact with your parents apart but she is your mother and I'm sure she still loves you. A mothers love for her children never fades! That's because you are a part of her. The best thing you can do and it's going to be hard, is talk to your mother about her unhappiness and what brought her to this decision. Don't get mad, don't get disgusted, if she confides in you it may make getting over this a little easier. She may not confide in you at first to protect your feelings, but keep trying. Understanding and love is what will get you through this. Living with resentment will make for a lifetime of agony.

Same thing goes for your father. Talk to him about this. They both owe you and your brother an explanation.

In the meantime your RS family is here to help you in this difficult time.