The List of Things That Will Not Change

When her parents told her that they were getting divorced, they gave Bea a notebook with a list of “Things that Will Not Change” inside. The list was started already, and included the promises that would remain true no matter what happened, like their love for Bea and the guarantee that their “homes will never be far apart” (7). One of the list’s items, which explained that Bea’s parents now loved each other in a different way, made Bea question whether her mother was really accepting of the circumstances or not. Bea adds to her list over the years, adding that Jesse will stay, and later that both he and Angus are brave. The list also promises Bea that she and her parents will always be a family. During a period of upheaval and significant change in her life, Bea’s list comforts her because it keeps her grounded and assures her that she has things she can count on. The Effects of Parental Divorce in Childhood are particularly significant because children become caught in the drama and are split between two lives. Having consistency, such as through this list of promises, is essential for Bea in getting through this difficult time.