At some stage last year I reached the point where I’d been separated/divorced for as long as I was married.
I’m happy to say it’s a path that most of my contemporaries don’t seem to have followed me down. Indeed, of those who have got married and had kids, I can only think of one who has separated.
One of the things that’s made it work is an attitude of co-operation; to make things work well for the kids. It was partially inspired by a newspaper article that came out at precisely the right time.
In that spirit, I’ve kept up occasional contact with my ex-in-laws. They’re good people.
So I was saddened to hear that my ex-father-in-law died suddenly last week. I liked him. I thought him a good, generous man, who showed great hospitality when we visited Arizona in 1996. He’ll be missed.
5 replies on “Vale Mark”
Daniel
a nice little tribute. It’s probably the case that some married guys wouldn’t feel anything if their father-in-law died.
Rog.
Partents who are seperating or getting divorced should be required to read this newspaper article. A lot of trouble and and hurt feelings for all concerned can be avoided.
Thats a really nice view Dan… congratulations.
My father in law is also a very generous and good man. I’m a million miles from divorce, but if the worst happened in my marriage, it would be good to still be friends with mine.
Should be more people in the world like you rather than the bunch of self-centred people that seem the majority!
Thanks Daniel, that was lovely.
Well, Daniel,
I haven’t even read the whole article yet, but your blog and these comments have brought tears to my eyes, here at work on my lunch hour…(I’m in similar situation – separated for 3 years now, 2 lovely kids)
Can’t even remember how I got to your website/blog… ah yes, the Elsternwick link I’d searched for. Elsternwick Primary School is where my kids go, and my eldest daughter’s in grade 6, so one of your blogs about primary to secondary was a very interesting read – in fact, all of it’s a good read, Daniel!
I feel I like you already, from the various blogs I’ve read. I’d be glad to get in touch personally, even meet up one day – I live in South Caulfield.
Cheers, Michael (dried tears, sniffling nose, and a touched heart…thanks!)