Lucy, Desi were not always happy

Mother’s Day spending is expected to exceed $33.5 billion this year, a slight decrease from $35.7 billion in 2023. (Progressivegrocer. com.) According to Brittanica: “‘I Love Lucy’ … that aired on CBS from 1951 to 1957 … was the most popular show in America for four of its six prime-time seasons. The series won five Emmy

Awards, including best situation comedy (1953 and 1954) and best actress (Lucille Ball, 1956).”

Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball married on Nov. 30, 1940, after dating six months. Mr. Arnaz had a reputation as being a playboy and Ms. Ball was asked if this concerned her, and she responded, “No, it intrigued me.”

Later, Lucy became a first-time mother: “Before getting pregnant with their first child, Lucie Arnaz, in 1950, Lucille Ball reportedly suffered “several miscarriages,” Years later in 1984, “… she told the Christian Science Monitor … she thought her life was complete once she had her two children, Lucie and Desi Arnaz Jr.” How did Desi Arnaz treat the mother of his children?

The relationship on the show “… was full of fun, laughter, and many touching moments, but Ball and Arnaz’s real-life romance was riddled with infidelity, dysfunction …”

Lucy comments about the marriage: “And then I saw it all disintegrate — you know drinking is so destructive, but it was his life.” The drinking probably occurred while running DesiLu Productions. Arnaz worked up to 14 hours a day.

“Her husband wasn’t around much due to being “…in the army and traveling around with his band.” Additionally, Arnaz “had a taste for prostitutes. … His father and grandfather… kept a bevy of “mistresses…”

Lucy’s daughter:” “They were fighting all the time when we were growing up. There was a lot of anger and screaming.” Lucie also stated that although they didn’t suffer any abuse, “there was alcoholism” in their home. She added, “We did go through some pretty hard stuff and that’s why my parents didn’t stay together.” (Dailymail. com)

The audience was upset due to being “tricked” into believing that the marriage was strong. Lucy said that was her biggest regret: hurting the audience: “They officially parted ways in 1960 after two kids and almost 20 years of marriage.”

Before her death, she was asked what she wanted to be remembered by. She said, “I wanted to be remembered as a great mother.” (“The Strange Marriage Of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball,” nickiswift.com October 2023) Vincent White

Lancaster