In september we were reunited and she lives with me, but we are not recognized as a married couple only as de facto, only after we have lived together for 12 months can she apply for a Partener Visa, with no guarantees of success.

This should be the happiest time of our life, but how can it be, neither of us dares make any plans for the future, we dont know if we have a future, it is so unfair and worrying, it breaks my heart .

This time next year her visa could be rejected and we will be torn apart. What will we do then? How will I tell my children that their step mother who they have come to love and trust is not allowed to stay here.

How much more heartache must my kids endure?

We may be a same sex couple but our daily lives and activities are no different to straight couples, we have the same responibilities ,raising kids, school, sports,house keeping, bills,etc.

After years of saddness ,abuse and rejection from their father and my ex husband ,we have all finally found contentment ,happiness and stability in our home again,surely this is all that is important in any family regardless of gender.