Sorry I can't give you any encouragement. He is the only one that can tell you. I have an idea but it would not be encouraging at all.

Dear L,S and D,
I really feel for you! Life is precious and it is short. Too short to be unhappy and to look at your future as a long, lonely road. But are you unhappy enough to take action?

You say your husband has war issues, is he willing to talk to a veteran's counselor? If not, will YOU do it? You have no family left and you will need support and back up, much more than you can get here.

The question is, are you willing to struggle to have a better life? Or are you just resigned to being stuck? Seems like somebody here has to man up and try to change things. I know it isn't easy, but look at the alternative.

I truly wish you the best.

When people say they are lonely and want a spouse, I tell them there are 2 kinds of lonely. Lonely when you are living alone and lonely and when you are married. I prefer alone and lonely. I get lonely sometime but my life is to good to marry and take a chance of being lonely with someone. I had to many years like that. I have no stress like you are going through now.

Will you settle for living the rest of your life as it is now? If you do, you need to try to adjust to it, redirect your thinking to other things and not dwell on your situation as it is now.

Your post does sound very lonely and sad.

I think if YOU took action, you might be in a better frame of mind. In essence, you are blaming your situation on your sadness. I know that sounds harsh, we all do it- but we can decide to change things.

Perhaps if you changed the dynamics a bit - got out of the house, took a course, learnt something, did some volunteer work - anything - just something different, then things at home may change.

You really don't have to just "settle" for life - do you ?

I am sorry. It's clear you are very lonely and unhappy and for good reason.

It sounds to me as if you have several issues going on at once and each needs to be addressed separately:

1) If your husband has "war issues" (PTSD?) there are veterans' groups to give him support. Even smaller communities or the county seat will have some sort veterans' advocate so you do not have to have access to a VA hospital to get some help.

An advocate can also help you hook up with support groups or services for spouses. In your case it seems clear both your son and your husband are facing challenges, so you are struggling on two fronts.

If you are a churchgoer, it is also appropriate to talk to your pastor about any help the church may have available. Stress confidentiality if that is important to you.

2) Regarding the impotence, it's important for your husband to have a medical check-up. You don't need to approach it as an intimacy issue. Truck drivers have all sorts of health problems (like kidney and back issues) associated with long periods on the road and for overall health it's important to identify anything that might be going on.

3) I can understand your husband's anger and frustration if he feels trapped by children still dependent while young adults. It sounds as if your daughter is on the right track but it's appropriate to work with your son regarding long-term plans for independence. He needs a specific plan and a timeframe, i.e. on his own in an apartment or shared housing within six months or whatever timeframe is appropriate. Also, if he can't find full-time work can he find a part-time job to lighten the financial burden?

4) Your own happiness and independence - you don't mention whether you are employed outside the home but if not, a part-time job and activities with social groups through your church or community would reduce your social isolation and make you a happier companion when your husband is home.

Thank you all for the help. I don't mean to sound so pathetic.

My husband has been home now for quite a while, more so than usual. He is gone from our home till late and still sleeps on the couch.

I guess he might have a girlfriend. I have accused him before and he just blows up but he won't kiss/touch me.

I am working. I do volunteer work - which I enjoy (& he seems to always try & ruin it for me). I work out at the gym & decided that it was for me & I was going to do it no matter what. I have been thinking of talking to the local pastor. I am acquainted with him through my volunteer work. He is very nice & I think it would benefit me to speak with him. I think I will just work on myself & try to focus on myself. Since my first post my son has found a job to apply for...ya. Hopefully he gets it. It's part time (30 hrs) & he would get summers off so he can work on our farm.

Hopefully by bettering myself I can get to the point where I am strong enough to make the right decision when the time comes.

You're showing a lot of strength and resilience in a difficult situation. Regardless of what happens with your husband, you can always work on your own circumstances, which is what you are wisely doing.

Best of luck.

Good for you. You go, girl!

I second that! We can rarely change other people, we can only change ourselves.