"You can waste an entire life trying to understand the dynamics of a
parent-child relationship. This is often impossible. You didn’t witness
your parents’ relations with their parents, their youth experiences that
created the person you struggle to connect with today. If you think of
one’s life as a three-act play . . . you walked in during the second
act! Is it any wonder that you can’t understand the unexplainable
phenomena in your relationship? Take heart Ryan, it is nothing you did
wrong nor is it something your mother can truly explain. Events in the
first act of her life, that you are unaware of, set the pattern of her
behavior. Don’t waste your time trying to figure it out. You are a fine
young man who should focus on the strength of character that has allowed
you to succeed. Bask in the love and admiration that your wife clearly
has for her husband. It is enough!"