ABSTRACT
During times of relative calm within a family, triangles may be dormant or at least difficult to detect (see Kerr and Bowen, 1988, p. 135). However, major events and transitions offer an opportunity to observe the triangular process in much greater detail. A long-term, serious illness in a younger family member and a subsequent death provide an excellent research laboratory for examining many triangles in bold relief. This chapter explores the ebbs and flows of these relationship networks during the chronic illness, subsequent death, and funeral of a woman in midlife. A detailed description of the husband’s efforts to identify the pertinent triangles as well as his attempts to negotiate a self in the midst of these powerful forces follows.
