split

I'm so overwhelmed today with sad news about some of our friends. A couple we met through the birth center, who seemed so hip, happy, self confident and with-it just told me today that they are most likely separating. Their daughter is 2 months older than Piper and they've been married for about 3 years.

When she told me today I felt like the wind was knocked out of me. I've never been able to hide my emotions well and I was just stuttering on the phone mumbling how sorry I was and how shocked I was. I had NO IDEA that they were having problems. Not like anyone would openly show them, of course, but I never got the feeling of unhappiness, awkwardness from them. She said that since they've had the baby things have gotten increasingly difficult between them and he has moved out and is staying with a friend. God, I am still just so upset about this. This is such a sweet, romantic, wonderful time for Patrick and I getting to experience our little homemade girl growing up and waving and blowing kisses and while it was rough getting into the swing of parenthood it is SO wonderful now. I couldn't fathom parenthood and the inherit stress from it (that's what she eluded was the reason for their separating) pulling two people apart.
I think the sun and moon rise with Patrick. And Pip, well she is just the amazing, squeaking reward for falling in love. I know I'm pretty naive from growing up with Mom and Dad being so happy and normal and wonderful. I wonder if that is what makes me so saddened and shocked by this. I don't understand how people fall out of love? How could something (besides the obvious: infidelity, lies, drugs, etc) be so damaging and horrible for them to one day pledge forever and then 3 years later be sleeping on a friends couch because they can't stand to be in the same room with that person?

I felt like the Universe sent me a lesson today with this sad news. This couple have always come across SUPER hip, self confident, funny and well, in general just way cooler than most people. Their daughter is a like a freak show toddler - she walked at 8 months, was talking/waving "bye bye" at 9 months and has always been way ahead of the baby curve. I've always felt this bubbling jealousy about them. While of course I feel so sad for them, I'm also taking this as a huge sign to be thankful, thankful, thankful for my wonderful little family who is perfect just the way we are. My mom always says it, and it is so true; in the end, all that matters is love and family. And tonight I am just overwhelmed with the truth in that.