Why

On answering a call from my daughter on Sunday, I was floored by some terrible news. Her mother, my former wife, was hospitalized after suffering a series of attacks with symptoms similar to a stroke. Diagnosis was TTP syndrome, something I've never heard of. On doing some quick research, I learned this was a severe blood disorder with a 95% fatality rate if not treated in time, survival was about 80% of treated cases. My ex, the girl I liked to get pissed off at, the airhead who was the object of my poking fun at, the lady who I harshly criticized to this day, was about to die. After being divorced for 17 years, I was devastated. I don't know why. I just was.

We've known each other for 36 years, married for 17 of those years, and then divorced to live our lives apart, later with other partners. Together, we did raise our daughter the best way we could, given the circumstances. We never lost touch with each other, and got together often to discuss matters concerning our child. Is that why this is kicking the shit out of me? Aren't divorced people supposed to hate each other, and not be concerned? I guess we're not normal divorcees.

She's putting up quite a fight in the hospital. Charlene, my partner, tells me to do what I have to do. Right now I have to go to the hospital and see if I can help my ex win her battle.