Al and Tipper Gore Split After 40 Years of Marriage

When you see a 40 year marriage fall apart you wonder if the parties have given very serious consideration to the long-term prospects for their health. The diseases of aging can reshape an individual's life in one day. He or she could find out tomorrow that they have cancer, Alzheimer's, stroke, heart attack, and so on where they really need the moral support of their spouse when suddenly they are facing the grim reaper. That is, just because one spouse appears healthy today he or she may be at death's door tomorrow. Your spouse knows pretty much everyone you know, so he or she can speak for you when you cannot speak for yourself. He or she can make decisions on your life when you are incapable of doing it for yourself. Thus, a real tragedy is seeing a 40 years marital stability symbol succumb to the divorce court.