What a rough couple of weeks for Maria Shriver and her family.

After her estranged husband Arnold Schwarzenegger's public confession this morning -- he secretly fathered a child with a household staffer ten years ago -- the veteran TV journalist and best-selling author released a statement conveying her grief as a wife and mother.

Related Article: Arnold Schwarzenegger Fathered a Child With Household Staffer

"This is a painful and heartbreaking time," said Shriver, 55. "As a mother, my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal. I will have no further comment."

Married for 25 years, Shriver and Schwarzenegger, have four children together: Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.

How do you feel about Shriver's statement?  Do you think she is handling all this disappointing news well?

Photos courtesy of Fame Pictures