The Strong Marriages of Euna Lee and Laura Ling

The two journalists who were freed from a North Korea prison and the horror of the possibility of a 12 year sentence at hard labor, (through the private diplomatic efforts of Bill Clinton), are women who have personal and private lives. Besides being known worldwide for their ordeal, both Euna Lee and  Laura Ling are wives, daughters, sisters, and daughters-in-law. Euna is also a mother. While all the relationships mentioned help define us as individuals and offer their own sources of strength, today's article addresses how a supportive marriage can be a source of strength to  us in times of crisis. The husbands of both journalists certainly prove this fact true

The  strength of a marriage lies not only in love but in the support that each spouse gives to one another. Traditional roles sometimes will take a backseat  as husbands and wives pursue careers that can separate them for long periods at a time. Hours spent on work-related passions are also time-consuming and an understanding and supportive spouse is a God-send and necessary factor in the equation of a strong marital union.

 Euna's husband, Michael Saldate,  is a working actor whose love and support was tested when his wife was seized by the North Koreans on bogus charges four month ago. There was a very good possibility that she would be sentenced to a prison term of 12 years that could only be called "hell on earth."  He never wavered in his support and efforts to bring his wife home to him and their daughter Hana. He, as well as his family, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to achieve the goal of freeing Euna Lee and Laura Ling.

 Laura Ling's husband, Iain Clayton offered his love, support, and positive action. He is a man who is employed in the private sector. Along with Euna's husband  and the families of both women, he  worked behind the scenes with the State Department to push open all possible avenues for the release of his wife and that of Euna Lee.

Every relationship faces a crisis at some point; some are minor, others have the impact of a catastrophe. It is how each partner handles and supports the other that shows the positive foundation of the relationship. Laura Ling and Euna Lee were fortunate to have men who never wavered in their love and never stopped actively pursuing a positive outcome that would them home again.

When crises occur in a marriage it is crucial to have a spouse who can give you support both emotionally and actively; someone who will move "heaven and earth" to help you. Relationships based on trust, and reliance on the strengths of each other, are the ones which survive and thrive.

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© 2009 all rights reserved Kristen Houghton 

Do you sabotage your own happiness in order to make other people in your life happy? Learn how to put your own life first! Read Kristen Houghton's new book, "AND THEN I'LL BE HAPPY!"  due in stores in Fall 2009. Pre-order it today. Available at Borders, Amazon, and all bookstores.

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