[mrj]

Hi everyone. I am really hoping someone can give me some advice. I have been married for nearly 19 years and my husband has emotionally and verbally abused me for most of these years (especially in the last 10 years) and occasionally pushed and shoved me (in front of my youngest child). I left him for a few weeks about 6 months ago, and after he promised to get help and stop drinking I went home with the kids. After being there for about 2 months I realised I didn't love him any more and asked hime to leave (which he did). He has been gone now for approximately 2 months and has started going to counselling and has been consulting a doctor etc. He has been diagnosed with depression since leaving and in his counselling sessions it has come out that he was violently abused as a child and about 10 years ago started having flash backs to this incident. He is saying that this is the reason behind his abuse and he says he loves me and the kids so much and is getting help for his problems and that he will never hurt me or the kids again. My kids are happy with things the way they are and I don't think they would be too happy for him to come home as they are both scared of him and don't want to see him hurt me again. I don't know what to do. I do see a change in his behaviour as he is admitting that what has gone wrong is his fault, and he is finally telling people what he has done wrong. I don't know if I want/should give him another chance or if I just feel sorry for the little boy he was, or if I have just been so controlled over the years that I can't stand up to him and say no. I did love him so much I used to think I would burst. I am a Christian and believe that everyone should be forgiven, and I do forgive him for all he has done, but should I give him another opportunity to do it again?? Someone please help and give me some advice. Thanks.