Jean-Claude Van Damme and his wife Gladys Portugues have seen their fair share of highs and lows, just like any other relationship. Although they experimented with leading different lives during difficult times, they came to the conclusion that their love for one another outweighed all the challenges they endured.

In 1987, Gladys, an actress, fitness model, and bodybuilder, married Jean-Claude Van Damme, an actor, martial artist, and filmmaker.

And they started and grew their family without even waiting a minute. The couple welcomed their son Kristopher in the same year, and their daughter Bianca completed the family in 1990. But two years after their daughter was born, Damme and Portugues had a difficult time and made the decision to call it quits on their marriage.

After reestablishing their relationship, Damme and his ex-wife Gladys began spending time together. In 1999, they decided to reaffirm their vows and got married again.

Gladys filed for divorce a second time in 2015, citing irreconcilable differences as the cause of the separation. The couple chose to get back together for the second time about two months after filing for divorce.

They came to see how much they cared for one another and that going through a divorce would be too difficult for them and their kids.

“Couples must grow and work through their issues together at all costs. I’ve been divorced once, and it’s not enjoyable for either the parents or the kids. Following their decision to try marriage for a third time, he said, “If people could stick together, like in the olden times, the value would come back.”

He also vehemently objected when asked if their decision to stay together was solely influenced by their kids. Not at all. Divorce is easy to understand—it’s just a word. Love, too, is an emotion. Combining both is difficult. We cherish one another.