Unfortunately, since this time, Kathy began to grow very dissatisfied with her work environment. She left her job and soon found that she had become quite isolated, not having found another job and having remained at home. Dave now provided all of the income for both of them. Thus, while Kathy and Dave’s child-rearing and related financial issues were resolved for a short period of time, they soon faced new challenges regarding the financial (socio-economic) plate which may, in turn, unravel their resolution of issues associated with the child-rearing plate as well.
Child rearing obviously becomes even more complex when one or both of the partners already have children through a previous relationship., Dottie already had two children, and did not want to have any more, despite being pregnant with Ricardo’s child. Her teenage son and daughter were “terrible.” Her daughter was still living with her and hated Ricardo. Her son had just run away, first to live with his father and then to join the Army. Her pregnancy was a loaded event for Dottie. Her second marriage had been to a man who wanted children, although Dottie felt she could not handle more than the two children she already had. Her second husband had initially seemed willing to give up having his own children, but ultimately, he left Dottie for a younger woman.
When Dottie became pregnant with Ricardo’s child, she knew she wanted to have an abortion, but she needed a lot of support from Ricardo about this decision. Ricardo, however, was unable to discuss the issue with Dottie. He “didn’t want to influence her decision;” he “couldn’t talk about it;” “she had to decide for herself.” Dottie pleaded with him to “let me know how you feel.” Still stung by the rejection of her second husband, it was very difficult for Dottie to make the decision to have an abortion without Ricardo’s support. Ricardo, however, became very angry when Dottie kept pushing him to discuss his feelings, and lie decided to move out. Dottie begged him to get into bed with her before he left that night. She wanted them to just “hold each other,” even if they couldn’t talk. At least they could have a sense of mutual support and acceptance.
