My son spent many years searching for the right woman to marry, and though I never questioned his choices, I quietly wished for his happiness. At last, when he turned thirty, he met Alicea woman who seemed to fit him perfectly.
Nearly every day, I would hear praises of her kindness and beauty. My son was truly smitten, and I found myself fond of Alice as well. With great enthusiasm, he spoke of her virtues to both me and his friendsshe appeared to him as the ideal companion, so it wasnt long before he decided to wed her. As a loving mother, I supported his decision wholeheartedly.
Planning a wedding can be quite a challenge, but my friends rose to the occasion magnificently. Alices parents were splendid people, and we got along famously from the very beginning. At first, everything was idyllic, but over time, things began to shift. Their marriage started to show cracks, with disagreements cropping up more often. I reminded myself that it was only their first year together, and surely they would settle into married life, but worry gnawed at me. I hoped dearly that their bond would flourish and endure.
One evening still unsettles me. It was late when my son showed up at my door with his belongings. He explained that hed nowhere else to goAlice had sent him away. He spent several days with me, and Alice didnt once come by to seek resolution. This cycle repeated itself time and again.
When Alice later told me that she was expecting, I decided to sit down with them both. I wanted to offer advice, hoping to help them avoid further misunderstandings. Unfortunately, my good intentions only made matters worse. Their quarrels became more frequent, and my son began spending even more nights at my house. I could see how heavily it all weighed on him. The joy that once lit up his face was gone, replaced with disappointment.
It pained me to watch my son endure such an unhappy marriage, so I suggested that he consider whether it was worth staying in a relationship that caused him so much grief. I told him he could be a wonderful father, even if he lived apart. In the end, he took my advice and soon filed the divorce papers at the local court.
Not long afterward, Alice came to me seeking help. She pleaded with me to convince my son to withdraw the divorce, saying she didnt want to shatter their family. More than once, I encouraged her to take care of her home and marriage. Though I tried to stay out of their private affairs, word spread that I was meddling, and I was soon accused publicly of interfering.
Now, Im left wondering whether I should have pushed my son towards divorce. Alice has grown to dislike me, and my own boy seems ever more distant. Still, I wonderdo they still love each other? Living apart is hard, but living together in such unhappiness is no better.
