About 40 years ago, I was in a very difficult, emotionally abusive marriage. I didn’t know what to do, and all my work with Christian counselors was not very helpful. I commuted 45 minutes one way daily to work, and I listened in the car to a Denver-based Christian radio station. Focus on the Family was on in the mornings as I drove. I don’t remember the exact topic that sparked my interest, but one day I called Focus on the Family for help. I’ve never forgotten that the counselor was very compassionate, supportive, and concerned for my safety. I also got help from Dr. Dobson’s book, Love Must Be Tough. Eventually I made the decision to end the marriage. I also remember hearing Dr. Dobson and Shirley talk about their courtship and how he had jilted her at one point by saying that they should date other people. He admitted later that it hurt him to see her out on dates with other fellows. Years later, after they were married, Shirley admitted that she had gone home after the breakup and collapsed, sobbing, behind the door. Yet she did not let Jim know for a long time. I will miss Dr. Dobson’s voice of reason and kindness. I will look forward to meeting him in Heaven some day. My condolences to Shirley and the family.

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3. About 40 years ago, I was in a very difficult, emotionally abusive marriage. I didn’t know what to do, and all my work with Christian counselors was not very helpful. I commuted 45 minutes one way daily to work, and I listened in the car to a Denver-based Christian radio station. Focus on the Family was on in the mornings as I drove. I don’t remember the exact topic that sparked my interest, but one day I called Focus on the Family for help. I’ve never forgotten that the counselor was very compassionate, supportive, and concerned for my safety. I also got help from Dr. Dobson’s book, Love Must Be Tough. Eventually I made the decision to end the marriage. I also remember hearing Dr. Dobson and Shirley talk about their courtship and how he had jilted her at one point by saying that they should date other people. He admitted later that it hurt him to see her out on dates with other fellows. Years later, after they were married, Shirley admitted that she had gone home after the breakup and collapsed, sobbing, behind the door. Yet she did not let Jim know for a long time. I will miss Dr. Dobson’s voice of reason and kindness. I will look forward to meeting him in Heaven some day. My condolences to Shirley and the family.