04/08/2023
I was 6 years into a marriage I knew I had no business being in with newborn twin babies in my lap when I first watched this movie back in 1997.
I don’t think I have ever related to a character more than I do with Francesca Johnson.
25 years later and now I have lived both sides of her gut wrenching decision.
She wasn’t just choosing between two men. She was torn between a life of stability, comfort and obligation and uncertainty, passion, culture, excitement and the sensuality she’d shoved way down deep.
I was married to Richard (yes, for real his name was Richard too) and though a good man with many toxic traits, I was not in love with him but feared breaking him by leaving.
But I began to fear breaking myself and my children if I didn’t leave.
I didn’t leave, for 2 more years, but so did find the courage.
And it did break him and I lived with guilt for that for many years.
But I believe it saved me and my children because I met my Robert 6 months later (yes, his name really is Robert too 😉)
We’ll be married 20 years in August, together for 24. My babies were tow and a half and have only ever known their mother to be IN LOVE and in a respectful, happy, passionate marriage.
It’s one of the things I am most proud of in my life. I wanted to teach my children what Francesca shares with hers after her death, “ Do what you must do in this life to be happy”.
Tell me you have seen this great movie?! Were you Team Richard or Team Robert?👇
