Interesting. I thought that this would be something I could relate to. Not so much.

I still don't understand what happened, though maybe a comment she once said explains it "have a nanny take care of them when they are real young, then quit working when they get older and more interesting".

I did far more than my share of the housework and child care when they were young. I took them out each Saturday and Sunday to give mom a break. I thought I was building a relationship. That was my language of love. When the youngest of the two reached about seven, I think the resentment was obviously starting. My nature was to think it was my fault. Her comment said it all "I have love enough for the kids but not enough for you". My comment was "I'm sick of being the house elf." My favorite comment from my daughter came when I asked why am I the bad guy if I occasionally get mad, but no one says anything to mom. Her reply was "well, she's always mad". Is it sciatica or is she just lazy? But I think if you met her, you'd really like her. A guy will do anything for love. Gad I hate all the self righteous man bashing you get instead.