Would You Take Your Ex to the Hospital?

This week, a friend of mine took her ex-husband to the hospital. It was a move which, I thought, demonstrated a kind heart and mature relationship. Of course, not everyone thinks like me.

A little background:  Penny’s ex called her one evening and asked if she could pick up their children because he was too sick to drive them to her house. She obliged, and the next day she checked in to see how he was doing. Unfortunately his condition was such that he needed immediate medical attention.  Penny drove him to the hospital, assisted him in the ER and later drove him home.  Her fiancé was neither angry nor threatened by the situation.  In fact, he offered to help if necessary.

The scenario sparked quite a debate between our friends.  Among the comments:

“I would’ve done it.”

“It’s disrespectful to your current partner to help your ex like that.”

“I would’ve let my ex die.”

“He’s still a person. We’re not talking about the Axis of Evil.”

“He wouldn’t have done that for her. She’s letting him take advantage.”

“I guess it’s OK since they have kids.”

Naturally, I was in the “I would’ve done the same thing” camp.  Here’s why…

It’s a matter of co-parenting.  Doing the best for the children means supporting the wellbeing of their other parent.

The end of the marriage isn’t the end of the relationship.  These days, Penny and her ex aren’t exactly friends, but they remain friendly.  This incident serves as evidence as to the evolution, not dissolution, of their family.

Familiarity in a scary situation.  Exes have been through a lot together, quite possibly including previous hospital visits.  A little reminiscing can ease the anxiety.

The right woman for the job.  At a time when her ex had difficulty speaking, Penny was able to communicate much of his family and medical history to the ER staff.

Reality check.  Sometimes we humans have a tendency to romanticize the past.  Maintaining a certain level of contact helps to remind exes why they’re better off apart.

In the years that Penny and I have been friends, I’ve heard a fair share of complaints about her ex-husband.  Yet, she stepped up to support him when he needed it, and I’m sure he would do the same for her.  Even though they’re exes, they’re still human beings.  I’m proud to have such a caring and open-minded friend.

What would you have done in that situation?

Need a Pep Talk?

Watch the video, receive email updates and join my private Facebook group!

I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Posted in divorce, family and tagged , .

6 Comments

  1. I would have to say yes, I too would take my ex to the hospital if he needed me to. I was married to him for 33 years and even though he cheated, lied and had many addictions ….. I wouldn’t leave him out in the cold. We had a long history together, a friendship, many many memories (mostly good ones) and our children. I am still very angry at him, but I actually pity him more. He’s lost so much in this divorce ; his relationship with his kids, his respect, his legacy and his best friend…me! So yes I would help him but knowing that I’m the better person for it.

    • Thank you for sharing, Amelia! It’s good to know that you can still view your ex as a human being, even after his hurtful behavior. Reminds me of that saying about being nice to others, not because they are nice, but because you are.

  2. My ex-husband and I have children, so of course I’d take him to the hospital. Not too long after we divorced, I called him and told him that I was too sick to take the kids. He showed up later to check on me and ended up taking me to the hospital. He filled out all of the paperwork, stayed with me until my dad got there, brought food and the kids over when I got out, and gave me a couple of days off while I recuperated. We are co-parents and have been able to maintain a friendship. He’s a great guy, but even if he wasn’t, I can’t imagine leaving my kids to worry about their dad.

    • I love hearing stories that illustrate the cooperative qualities that are essential to productive coparenting. Exes are people too.

  3. If I HAAAAAAAAAAD to, I would, but mostly I’d be thankful he has family in the area that I still talk to that I could ask to keep me updated.

Leave a Reply