Impact of marriage

Marriage fulfilled a need; brought the joy of children; often one spouse led the other to Christ; brought the experience of joint decision-making and consideration of another person; brought new opportunities and experiences; expanded horizons; brought the experience of real "true love"; "a path from self to other to creation of another"; recognized the work that a relationship needs; makes one disciplined and responsible; support and acceptance by another person.

Impact of divorce

Many UM Boomers said divorce was the "loss of a dream." Some worried that their children would not be raised in a two-parent household. Noncustodial parents expressed deep concern about not seeing their children every day. Being separated from children and not seeing or being a part of their development is the biggest loss.

Impact of death of a parent

This experience is for many UM Boomers "the loss of a best friend." For those who experienced loss of a parent at an early age, an added burden was the increased responsibility in the home, i.e., caring for younger siblings, cooking, cleaning. When the loss came at a time of a new marriage or birth of a child, a greater sense of loss was felt due to the inability to have the parent share in the experience. A parent's death makes one aware of one's own mortality and sometimes causes fear of inheriting the same illness. There may be the added responsibility of caring for the remaining parent. Some who witnessed the death felt GodŐs presence in a very real way. Some felt the blessing of being cared for by such a loving parent. Some UM Boomers worry that maybe a parent didn't know how much he/she was loved.

Impact of religious experience or conversion/"born again"

Many United Methodist Boomers gained "peace and serenity" by surrendering their lives to God; feelings of inner strength and calm; "my relationship with Christ influences all of my decisions and choices in life."