Thanks for your support. It does help. She and I also discussed marriage. She was the first to bring it up. When she told me that she wanted to date other people she asked me if I was ready for marriage. I told her I would marry her 'in a heartbeat'. I guess that was a mistake because said the thought of marriage 'scared her to death'. Instead of backing off during all of this I pursued her more. I think that kind of pushed her away. She was going to still see me and also date other people, but I think she thought I might impede her healing process or quest for independence. She told me that here love for her ex was unconditional and true. That was the case until last year on the 4th of July when she was with me and realized she could never go back to the way she felt about him. She said she relied on me so much for so many things. She also said I was a great father and she trusted me with her kids. She said those things the night she broke it off with me. She also said it would be easier for her to break it off if there was a good reason (like something wrong with me). She cried when I left that night.
The bottom line is this has been so hard for me. I truly love here and like her kids. I miss the 'family' dinners we had together. She is everything I ever wanted in a woman. Even with the emotional roller coaster ride things were still good. She was always loving to me (and me to her) when we were around each other. I have called her a few times since the break up but she won't return my calls. Her kids won't even answer. I guess she told them not to answer my calls either. I guess I should just leave her alone and give her time like everyone says. Maybe she will realize we were good together and she does love me.