I was only yesterday speaking with a man who had separated from his wife four years ago after she had decided that she no longer wished to remain married to him. The couple had since divorced. Despite the four years of separation between the couple, the man (who is currently undergoing a period of deep depression), had not yet found himself emotionally able to move on; largely because his relationship with his wife was not a positive loving one, and yet, he still felt emotionally attached to it.
In many ways, all form of permanent separation from others is no less than a stage of bereavement in a process that requires healthy negotiation. This process invariably takes a couple of years to get through; even when the emotions of the bereaved person are being healthily expressed and dealt with along the way.
Over the years ahead, please keep Steven in your thoughts as this good, kind and sensitive man comes to term with his loss. The same applies to all family and friends that you know who have been permanently separated from their loved ones through death or marital separation or any other set of circumstances they didn't ask for but were left to emotionally cope with.
Always know, Steven, that you are not alone in your loss and will remain in our hearts, prayers and thoughts over the immediate years ahead. Thank you for being our Facebook Friend and thank you for being you.
Love and peace Bill xxx