If you have been watching any television, reading any magazines, even standing in any grocery store check out lines, you have had a little glimpse into the events of the Gosselin’s- Jon and Kate. Their wildly popular show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, has been a favorite of mine for the past year or so. Tonight they made a big announcement on TLC saying that they had decided to get a divorce, they say “split up,” probably due to recent allegations about them and their marriage. In one story I read, the author stated that some people are just not meant to be together forever. And to that, I say- what?
I’ve never been married. I haven’t said the vows or walked the aisle. I haven’t exchanged “I Do’s” with anyone, as of yet. However, I know that when that time comes, it will be a statement for forever. Yes there will be hard times. Yes there will be times when one or both of us will want to get out of it (pop quiz: what movie is that from?). These things I understand, and despite them, I want to take the plunge into the unknown. Jon and Kate say that this will bring peace to their kids. Really? Peace? Instead of seeing their parents fight, they get to see them give up. What a lesson to teach 8 kids under the age of 10. We wonder why adolescents, children, adults today give up on things so easily- I dare say it is perhaps because now we’re teaching them that it’s ok? Who knows.
None of Jon and Kate Gosselin’s business is my business, but life lessons are a passion of mine, and for some reason this whole ordeal has rubbed me the wrong way. Fate just threw them some lemons, and instead of making lemonade, they threw them right back. Those kids will have to deal with this decision for the rest of their lives. What do you think? Is divorce really necessary? Isn’t there any hope for love anymore? I know I’m putting faith in love because I know it really is strong enough to move mountains- why don’t other people seem to agree.
Thanks and Keep Squeezing,
A.
Kudos to you! I couldn’t agree wih you more.
As a woman married for nine years, I can assure you that there are tough times. No two people are truly perfect for each other. The thrill of marriage comes from weathering the ups and downs of life together, including the ups and downs of the relationship. When, as a couple, you can make it through the low points together and come out stronger in the end, THAT is very satisfying. Plus it creates and even stronger bond of love between spouses.
It’s too bad that Jon and Kate are divorcing. It’s too bad for their children, it’s too bad for each other, and it’s too bad for their audience. How much more inspiring would it be to see a couple determined to work through their issues – together?
Posted by Emily | June 23, 2009, 5:18 amGreat point! It would be so much more inspiring if they actually worked through the issues. I think the world is ready for that sort of committment illustrated on television- after all it is, second to the internet, the most widespread form of mass media is it not? The things we see on the tube influence us a lot more than I think we’d like to admit…and that’s kind of sad.
Posted by eloquentessentials | June 23, 2009, 5:21 amYou’re so stinkin’ cute! Love the blog! Hmm… I agree with you in that I do believe that when I get married it is going to be forever…However, I don’t agree when it comes to the Gosselin’s divorce. if they were willing to discuss their difference in therapy and work it out then awesome, but I definitely don’t believe in martyrs who stay together, “For the kids.” All that teaches kids is to be self righteous and how to have some pretty cunning and baffling comebacks by the age of 11.
Posted by HonestChitChat | June 23, 2009, 5:23 amThey said they would do anything for their kids. What about honoring their marriage vows? It’s a selfish decision. Marriage is work, hard work. Love is not a feeling but an action. And no, a couple should not stay together “for the kids”; they should stay together because they made a promise to do so.
Posted by Michael | June 23, 2009, 2:56 pm