Today is the first day of the “official” separation.  Thanks primarily to Dan and Nicole, I was able to move the basic furniture into the room we will alternate using on our “off” weeks away from the girls.  It is surreal sitting here on a familiar bed in a completely different location.  I’ve done what I can to make it feel like home, but it’s weird - beyond weird, really - to know that my children are sleeping and breathing and living without me for the few hours I am not there.  It hurts in a raw way.  Hearing the words “divorce” from Lily’s mouth is also surreal, and I always have to take a deep breath before answering her questions.  Most of the time, I have no answers, and most of the time, she is satisfied with that.