Question over a long-standing marriage

[Bertha Jackson]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

[marta baglioni]

I don't think so. There is a reason why the first marriage did not work out, and we as readers don't know everything behind their decision. As adults, we should come to terms with the idea that some people are just not meant for us. Also, I have never been married, but as a daughter, I would prefer to see my parents happy with other people instead of unhappy together.

[Timothy Rucinski]

Ms. Perdue didn't provide enough information for me, as a reader, to form an opinion of Mark's first marriage. Mention was made of money and ego issues, but nothing in-depth. Indeed, there was contention in the relationship, as evidenced in Mark's post-marital relationship with his ex-wife and children. As a divorced man after 35 years of marriage, I have regrets that my relationship didn't go all the way to its logical conclusion. However, with what happened in my personal situation, the pitfalls along the way that led to the divorce became our logical conclusion. One cannot blame either myself or my ex exclusively for what happened, and I suspect that the same holds for Mark and Patty. As my mother often said, "It's six of one and half a dozen of another." I would have liked to have had more information about the marriage because it would have provided more insight into Mark, his drive, and his accomplishments. Perhaps someday we will know more.

[Harty Muli]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I agree with your comment. However, his marriage and the bankruptcy incidents were the only failures he had in his life. With the bankruptcy incident well explained, as the reader of his memoir, I felt Mark had an obligation to comment, however small, about his failed marriage. As it is and considering he's a public figure, I find it self-serving that he chose what to reveal in his life and what not to.

[Harty Muli]

I don't think so. There is a reason why the first marriage did not work out, and we as readers don't know everything behind their decision. As adults, we should come to terms with the idea that some people are just not meant for us. Also, I have never been married, but as a daughter, I would prefer to see my parents happy with other people instead of unhappy together.

I agree with your comment. Since he's now a public figure, I hope it is something he can talk about one day.

[Harty Muli]

Ms. Perdue didn't provide enough information for me, as a reader, to form an opinion of Mark's first marriage. Mention was made of money and ego issues, but nothing in-depth. Indeed, there was contention in the relationship, as evidenced in Mark's post-marital relationship with his ex-wife and children. As a divorced man after 35 years of marriage, I have regrets that my relationship didn't go all the way to its logical conclusion. However, with what happened in my personal situation, the pitfalls along the way that led to the divorce became our logical conclusion. One cannot blame either myself or my ex exclusively for what happened, and I suspect that the same holds for Mark and Patty. As my mother often said, "It's six of one and half a dozen of another." I would have liked to have had more information about the marriage because it would have provided more insight into Mark, his drive, and his accomplishments. Perhaps someday we will know more.

Thank you for sharing your personal story. Yes, I hope he can someday share. As I observed, it was one of only two occasions he failed in his life, the other being his bankruptcy.

[Jack King]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I’d disagree slightly, I think when you’re writing a book as personal as he is and with the other details he includes I think he should include those details and not keep it private. Although as I type that I do feel that his ex-wife deserves privacy and it could be her input that stopped him going into detail.

[Bertha Jackson]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I agree with your comment. However, his marriage and the bankruptcy incidents were the only failures he had in his life. With the bankruptcy incident well explained, as the reader of his memoir, I felt Mark had an obligation to comment, however small, about his failed marriage. As it is and considering he's a public figure, I find it self-serving that he chose what to reveal in his life and what not to.

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I’d disagree slightly, I think when you’re writing a book as personal as he is and with the other details he includes I think he should include those details and not keep it private. Although as I type that I do feel that his ex-wife deserves privacy and it could be her input that stopped him going into detail.

That's it. We do not know why he did not include it. Was it for his protection or his ex-wife's? Only he knows the answer to that. I respect any privacy that he feels he needs.

[Jack King]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I agree with your comment. However, his marriage and the bankruptcy incidents were the only failures he had in his life. With the bankruptcy incident well explained, as the reader of his memoir, I felt Mark had an obligation to comment, however small, about his failed marriage. As it is and considering he's a public figure, I find it self-serving that he chose what to reveal in his life and what not to.

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I’d disagree slightly, I think when you’re writing a book as personal as he is and with the other details he includes I think he should include those details and not keep it private. Although as I type that I do feel that his ex-wife deserves privacy and it could be her input that stopped him going into detail.

That's it. We do not know why he did not include it. Was it for his protection or his ex-wife's? Only he knows the answer to that. I respect any privacy that he feels he needs.

I don’t think it would be unreasonable for him to have shared why in the book though. Even if it was just a time issue. The book is already sizeable and adding in that detail may have added a decent chunk.

[Harty Muli]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I’d disagree slightly, I think when you’re writing a book as personal as he is and with the other details he includes I think he should include those details and not keep it private. Although as I type that I do feel that his ex-wife deserves privacy and it could be her input that stopped him going into detail.

Valid point there. Though if that was the case and if he's reading this, it will be good for him to disclose that in his book for the sake of his readers.

[Jack King]

With six years between Mark's marriages, I think it would have occurred if there was any chance of reconciliation. I do not feel like Mark should have to justify his decision in this book. It is a private matter between him and Patty. Like the accountant, people always have an opinion.

I’d disagree slightly, I think when you’re writing a book as personal as he is and with the other details he includes I think he should include those details and not keep it private. Although as I type that I do feel that his ex-wife deserves privacy and it could be her input that stopped him going into detail.

Valid point there. Though if that was the case and if he's reading this, it will be good for him to disclose that in his book for the sake of his readers.

If he’s reading this hopefully he can reply on here and let us know the feedback has been very positive so hopefully he does check in and read what has been said.

[Itz Savaga]

Regardless of how much of a congenital optimist one is, some marital issues are irreconcilable, especially if it has to do with an utmost breach of trust. It must be a grave issue for Mark to have left, considering his views on marriage.

[Shillah Andeso]

Despite being disappointed about the divorce, I believe Mark choose what he felt was right. I think his daughters later on understood the situation and respected their father's decision. I think what matters in the end is that they are all contented.

[Jane Ogwang]

From the narrations Mitzi gives in the book, it looks like the two would have no way back. I'm a great advocate of not forcing issues and walking away in a quest for peace. I, therefore, have no problem at all with Mark's divorce, despite the many years of marriage.

[Ebele Ekelobi]

Mark went with the decision that felt best for him and his daughters. It's better to leave a marriage than to be consistently unhappy in it.