Was it really worth it?

On January 20th, 2009, the day before our son's 19th birthday, my ex-husband chose to end his life. He was suffering from severe depression and had just started to get help. It was sad to see him become so helpless and morose but it had been a bitter divorce and we fought over stupid things like paintings and furniture. As I look at the painting in my dining room I can't help but think was it really worth it? We spent hours of wasted time in court not to mention the attorney fees. His attorney has even claimed a lien on the small insurance money that he left.

My neighbor, Tamara once attempted to console me after a burglary by telling me about how we value "things" too much. We forget what is most important in life, like health, family, and friendship. She lived through the Nazi era in Amsterdam and lost almost everything. From this experience she learned that "things" can be replaced. She tried to impart that lesson to me.

So, as I sit her gazing at the painting that cost so much time and money, I can't help but wonder, was it worth it to fight this poor depressed man in court over the painting if it meant that much to him? I thought so at the time but now I realize that I don't even like it that much.