For better or for worse
Introduction
I once watched a ‘Chicken soup’ movie, about a boy whose parents were fighting and contemplating divorce. At the ‘Parent-Teacher-Conference’, they saw a picture drawn by the son. It was a drawing of a sad boy, who stood in between his parents. What was written on the picture was this “I can’t love mummy, because daddy doesn’t. I can’t love daddy, because mummy doesn’t”.
I do not remember the ending of the story and it will be naive to think that a relationship that has been breaking down for years, is so easily mended. However, the words of the son have always stayed with me. I believe, that no matter how the father or the mother is, as a husband and wife, or even whether they were good fathers/mothers, they are always the children’s first true love. Children never stop loving their parents. When children see the loss of love between the two people whom they love most, they lose something inside them – there is a sadness that does not go away.
This column is not to criticise those who have separated. It is for fathers and mothers who are having it tough but still holding on. It may be a tough day, a tough month or a tough many years. If you are willing, stay together, one day at a time. Do it not just for the children. Do it for yourself. There is always hope.
