The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Family priorities

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner

31 March 2004

Just when I'm convinced that most parents have the highest regards for their children, I run across divorce proceeding that has the father getting the boat, the 4-wheel drive truck, and other fun vehicles, and the mother getting the home, the children and maybe $50 in support.

The more I read the details of some of the divorces filed at the courthouse, the harder it is to understand how arguments between parents can be more heated over who gets the family goods than who gets the family.

Couples will state they have "Irreconcilable Differences" and can't make a marriage work, but they can agree where to put their kids.

In some divorce proceedings, couples walked in, agreed not to argue about anything, and got the divorce in one day.

Having gone through a divorce myself with kids involved, it is one of the most heart-wrenching things our family has faced, and I think families have to realize that having differences is part of life.

As long as it is not Mental Cruelty, or some form of insane abuse, having differences is not something to divorce over. If we can get our priorities in order, and that is our kids, maybe we can work out a plan to make things work, to forgive our mates, and to serve each other a little more.