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
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.
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?
That is nice to hear.
Divorce is hard on the kids. Glad there was a positive spin to it.
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.
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.
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.
This choked me up too.
My one sister has a better divorce than some marriages, and you're right; it makes it so much better for everyone involved.
I have heard of this happening. But never witnessed it. So glad they are civil.
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.
What Lisa said. And also, what an incredible photo!
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