I have no idea what gave me the idea I could be capable of such a monumental task, but we did manage to get through the three years without too many mishaps. I learned a lot about myself and found out years later how much he appreciated what I had done.

Relationships take turns; get bumpy at times and sometimes hit dead ends. When it involves our families, it is more challenging since we all seem to be under the impression we are supposed to love each other unconditionally. It is wonderful when you experience that level of family connection, but I don’t believe it is as typical as it could be.

I am not advocating people stay together for the sake of their children when the relationship has deteriorated beyond hope. But to create an absence abruptly and drastically will cause long term repercussions, especially with daughters and fathers.

I worked with Roger on why his relationship had drifted into a non-functional state. He told me how his wife had developed friends she didn’t share, activities he wasn’t included in and eventually even avoided any intimacy.