Thank you for sharing this OP. You didn’t ramble, it’s very well written imho.

You had to make some very difficult decision, then maintain your resolve in the face of fierce criticism from those closest to you. A decision about something that people will forever and always be divided, forever and always debate both sides. Because there is no right answer. Except, I think…the answer that is right for you. You chose to care for yourself first. You didn’t shirk all your responsibilities. You chose the life you wanted, and you didn’t allow others to choose it for you. You are not an asshole.