vignette

Luckily, divorce is a totally foreign word in my family. Among my extended family I only have one uncle that was divorced. He has been remarried and happy for twenty-something years now. I don't mean to say this in a bragging way, just to emphasize that I am somewhat naive in this area. I realize that divorce is definitely the answer sometimes, no doubt.
On Saturday we were at a gas station in Colorado, on our way home from our cross-country drive, when I witnessed something that really choked me up. My husband and son had run in for some snacks, but I had stayed in the car. And glad I did.
A car pulled up next to an SUV and parked. Out of the car a well-dressed man about 40-years old jumped out, followed by the boy in the SUV doing the same thing. The boy threw himself at the man, who hugged him right back. Hard.
Next, a man and woman also got out of the SUV. They went to the back door and got the boy's bag out. The well-dressed man put his hand on the woman's shoulder and shook the other man's hand. There were smiles and affection all around.
Then it was over, this exchange of exes, I assume. It lasted 5 minutes, but I have had the picture in my mind ever since witnessing it. It warmed my heart and made me feel hopeful.
In a world of fighting and name-calling on Capital Hill, I am glad to know that there can be love and civility in smaller arenas.

12 comments

LisAway | July 26, 2011 at 12:36 AM

What a sweet, happy and a little bit sad story. Lovely to witness people making things work in less than ideal situations -- and to make them work happily.

Becca | July 26, 2011 at 7:41 AM

What a blessing for that boy, that all his parents work to be civil and kind. How better to show a child that (even when things aren't perfect) the world can be a pleasant place?

Rachel Cotterill | July 26, 2011 at 9:57 AM

That is nice to hear.

Connie | July 26, 2011 at 3:22 PM

Divorce is hard on the kids. Glad there was a positive spin to it.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | July 27, 2011 at 7:56 AM

It's great that they make kids a priority.
I'm grateful that the "D" word is foreign in our family this well. I hope to never have to deal with it.

Len Lambert | July 27, 2011 at 5:21 PM

What a touching story, Kazzy. I'm thinking of the boy and how painful it is for him. But it's good to know how civil and calm his parents were.

Melanie Jacobson | July 27, 2011 at 10:22 PM

This is how it works when we trade my son back and forth. Lots of affection and amongst all of us but deep, deep love for him. And we have a happy kid.

The Way I See It | July 31, 2011 at 3:36 PM

This choked me up too.

Unknown | August 1, 2011 at 3:59 PM

My one sister has a better divorce than some marriages, and you're right; it makes it so much better for everyone involved.

Jenny Lynn | August 3, 2011 at 8:49 AM

I have heard of this happening. But never witnessed it. So glad they are civil.

amber_mtmc | August 4, 2011 at 9:28 AM

Ben's parents are divorced as well as my mom's parents, so I understand this well. Neither case has been as civil as this, but Ben's parents have done a good job of keeping things tame. I find this a beautiful vignette and do hope it is a sign that things can be good, even when opinions differ.

Heidi | August 15, 2011 at 5:40 PM

What Lisa said. And also, what an incredible photo!