I've just been through a divorce

No, not MY divorce. My husband's sister had to travel 700 miles to Antigo, Wisconsin, to finalize the divorce from her husband. She didn't want to make that trip alone, so I volunteered to go with her. I don't drive, so I was no help at all with that. But at least I helped keep her awake on that grueling road trip.

I will say that northern Iowa and Wisconsin are quite lovely. I can also tell you that I hope never to see the place again; it will forever hold unhappy memories for me. I saw my sister-in-law unsuccessfully fight tears in court, at the end of a twenty-eight-year-long marriage.

That's the water tower in the town where the divorce took place.

That's Rena, bravely heading into court. When I look at this picture, it makes me glad I went along; she looks so alone.

Rena spent a lot of time behind this door.

I loved this picture. The words say, "When tongue and pen alike are free, Safe from all foes dwells liberty."

And this is the courtroom. I didn't dare try taking a picture when the actual proceedings were going on, but you can see Rena and her ex-husband's lawyer getting ready for the event.

It didn't take long, really. Not much longer than many marriage ceremonies.

I have to say I feel more emotion now, reliving the whole thing, than I did watching it.

I hate divorce.