I find the recent news story about South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford to be an interesting case of midlife love. One way it MAY be different than the standard midlife philandering stories like that of Eliot Spitzer or President Clinton, is that Mark Sanford believes that he found his soul mate in this Argentine woman. I believe that is possible.
In the end, we all seek to feel unconditional love and acceptance at some point in our lives. That was my quest after my own divorce in 2001. I wanted to believe it was possible in this crazy world. We also do not choose when we will meet others we can truly share our world with on so many different levels. It is so very rare to meet someone of true soul mate quality ever in this lifetime.
Mark Sanford did what was expected of him. He married young and had a family. I believe it is quite rare to find your soul mate in those we marry at an early age. So the question then becomes, do we deny ourselves ever experiencing that kind of closeness again in our lives?
Mark has answered that question for himself. He committed at least emotional adultery with Maria Belen Chapur. He made his choice knowing full well the consequences of his actions. He is willing to accept the judgment of others as well as that of his God.
I am glad that he at least took full responsibility for his choices and his actions.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I know nothing about the man except what I’ve read recently and seen on tv. Seems like he has been living a double emotional life for a while, knowing that making a choice will cost him the kids and his career. He clearly is in agony and spilling his guts about his feelings. I wonder what his Argentine amore (sp?) thinks about him now. If I were his wife, I would cut bait and move on without him, in the long run ripping the band-aid off quickly will be better for everyone, especially the kids. Life is messy. Choices are not clear cut. I’ve learned from personal experience!
Lia:
I agree. His wife would have to be nuts to stay with a man who has no love for her (and probably hasn’t for years!) It’s a painful situation for all involved.
Laura Lee