Watching my children make life decisions can be exciting and it can be painful. Right now, my daughter is going through the awful realization that her marriage of four years is not viable. There is no life support that can revive it.
They are who they are. She had a dream and he wanted to come along so that was what they used as their foundation. It never happened. Life got in the way.
They are who they are. He is a nice guy, fun to be with. Energetic. Athletic. Wants to explore and experience. But has issues with the mundane issues that life requires. Can not stick to a plan. Can not do what he says he will do.
They are who they are. She is a planner. She sets her eyes on a goal and plans out the steps that will get her there. She makes lists and succeeds. She makes friends easily and holds them dear, but will not tolerate someone who hurts her.
They are who they are. They are trying to get through this next phase as “friendly” as possible. No kids. No property except what each of them purchased out of their own funds for their travels. So the process is as simple as the law permits.
But there are missteps and pain along the way. Communication to explain how a misstep caused an additional problem. Excuses given. Tears flow.
All I can do is tell her she will wade through this and life will get easier. All I can do, if he reads this blog, is tell him the same.
Life’s mistakes are opportunities for personal growth. The only thing we can control in some situations is our attitude. Chose the high road. And parents-watch what you say. It is not your life. Let the adult child make the decisions.
goingplaceslivinglife 
December 18, 2013 at 7:46 pm
A comment from a wise lawyer during my divorce:
“He/she who leaves with the least “stuff” – wins”
He was right.
December 18, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Having, through my (LOL) intuitive wisdom, thought this was probably going to happen, so neither of us were surprised. Just want you to know…and tell Lisa…that we still think she is tops and have a great deal of love and respect for her. What a gal! Gosh, it just dawned on me that all of us (except for Deb) have gone through this and survived quite well. Give Lisa a big, big huge from me!
December 18, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Most excellent!!
Miss ya, BethAnn
December 18, 2013 at 4:04 pm
When we watch our kids live their lives, all we can do is love them. Completely. Listen. Offer a few words of experience if it is requested. Listen some more. And give lots of hugs.
December 18, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Reblogged this on Sixty and Single Again.
January 1, 2014 at 7:32 am
Thanks…..we parents have a careful choice to make in giving advice.
December 18, 2013 at 1:07 pm
My opinion:
The days of our lives add up to the years of our lives…if it’s not a good fit, better to tidy up the ‘mess’ and move on to the happy and fulfilling life we dream of.
I congratulate you on the wise position you take: support the people without adding to the stress and pressure. Best to all concerned…
December 18, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Lisa will bounce back. She has a tremendous ability to learn quickly and adjust and move on. While it is the financial pains that cause the grief during the day, the quiet hours put it in perspective and the realization that loss usually entails more important issues is the key to healing the wound and adjusting the pathway.
December 18, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Wise words indeed!
December 18, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Sometimes the “wise pills” I take daily actually work. *S*
December 18, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Need to find me some of those!
March 18, 2014 at 2:42 pm
Just looking back through some of your posts here after your visit. Had to mention that I love that shot of Lisa very much!!!
March 18, 2014 at 2:51 pm
They got some fantastic shots on the time in New Zealand and Australia, and yes, this is a great one!