When Divorce Hits Home

Every one (well, probably close to everyone) now knows about Jon and Kate's marital problems. The media has been having a field day reporting who's been seen where, with whom, and what that must mean.

Jon and Kate certainly aren't the first celebrities to have the marital problems aired out all over the news. And couples getting divorced certainly isn't a new phenomenon.

But what about when it hits close to you?

I consider myself fortunate. Both my parents are still married after 40 years. Sure, there have been ups and downs. But they work things out. Same with my grandparents, aunts and uncles. Growing up I really can't think of many friends whose parents divorced.

As I entered college a few family friends parents did call it quits. I also started meeting friends whose parents had split while they were growing up.

A few years ago we knew some friends from college whose marriages were ending. And then our son, Adam, would mention this or that kid from school who had to go live with a different parent on the weekend.

Fast forward to the present. This past fall one of my sister's left her husband. And now my youngest sister is also leaving her husband. She and her little girls will be moving in with us for a few months.

I'm getting to see what divorce does to a couple, their kids, and a family first hand. It's not pretty. It's sad to see a once happy family no longer a happy family. And, the saddest part is the kids are the most affected, yet are the most innocent. Although, obviously both my sisters kids are affected, they aren't the only kids it's impacting. It's made Adam think about relationships too. What it takes to work things out and what to do when relationships become unhealthy. It's also teaching him that family is there for family when they need support. He's looking forward to becoming more of a 'big brother' vs. 'cousin' when my nieces move in.

It's made me think a lot about marriage. I'd like to think my husband and I have a strong and healthy marriage. I'd like to think that we can overcome any obstacles that throws itself in our way. I'm sure lots of others to do. No one plans on getting divorce when they are saying their marriage vows.

But divorce does happen. And when I hear of a marriage ending, whether a celebrety, a friend, or a family member, it makes me sad. But it also makes me appreciate my husband all that much more for who he is and who we are together.

Original DC Metro Moms post. Robin writes about her life as it is on MyLifeAsItIs.