Why I'd Leave Him

During our evening power walk my daughter and I discussed John Edwards and the game he was playing with other peoples' lives. There were many players on the board; his wife, his children, his political supporters, a mistress and a possible child. John, John, John. Unfortunately, you are the new poster boy the all too common fallen American family man.

Pack his bags, Elizabeth.

Perhaps we expect too much from men. It appears they still want to roam the land and sow their seeds with no regard for the spouse they have vowed to forsake all others for. That is a fatal flaw in my book.

Pack his bags, Elizabeth.

I know you have cancer, Elizabeth, but you also have daughters and they need to see healthy relationships based on honesty, respect and mutual support. You also have a son. He needs to know there are consequences for stepping outside the boundaries of marriage and living a life of deceit, betrayal and dishonesty.

Pack his bags, Elizabeth.

Or as my daughter suggested, maybe we don't expect enough from men. Either way, I'm sure he did not live up to your expectations. None of us know how much time we have, but set a strong example for your children while you still have time. You deserve better and so do your children. He chose to spend time with another woman; time taken away from your children and you. Ponder what that tells you about his priorities as you move forward in the marriage.

You're a smart woman. American women (and men) are watching.

Pack his bags, Elizabeth.