How does someone escape their past or should we ask if it's even possible. Sometimes the past we are running from isn't the result of our own making or mistakes. It's the reality we were born into and the environment we grew up in. That's sometimes what we need to run from. Hopefully there is something bright and wonderful to run to. Molly O'Keefe teaches some important lessons in this unexpectedly biting story. Her message is clear - faith, trust and love are the real tools of survival.

Simply put life was crappy for Billy Wilkins. The one bright spot in a dismal frightening family life was his hockey. He scrimped and saved for equipment and ice time. This was his escape and if his plans worked hockey would be his way out of this destructive lifestyle. His fortune grew when fates smiled on him when Maddy befriended his sister Denise.

Maddy and Billy developed a strong bond and love which culminated into marriage at a very young age. They were both too young. But the possibility of being apart was more frightening then the challenge of making a young marriage work especially with Billy's NHL career. Lots of road games mean separations but the two of them are determined to be together, Billy is adamant that Maddy be with him. He needs her. He loves her. She wais his life.

It is difficult to live up to those demands and as life intrudes and the realities of hockey and the players it becomes evident their marriage can't handle the pressures. Maddy begins to feel as if she is losing herself but what she really means is that she needs to be more than just Billy's adoring wife. She needs to explore herself. And instead of fighting to keep what is good in their marriage she runs. The divorce allowes her to follow her dream of having her own valuable identity. She is a host of a Dallas morning show and her future looks bright. The price is heavy. Her personal life is void of friends and love.

It seems innocent enough when her producers decided to shake things up. Their subject fell into their creative laps. Billy Wilkins had an explosive last game of the season which looked like a NHL career killer. They proposed a makeover to his agent who felt it might make him more likable. His reputation as a thug and fighter were over riding his real hockey abilities. This makeover would give him positive coverage for a change.

How were they to know that the host is his ex wife Maddy. There is no connection between Maddy and Billy, she has taken steps to distance herself from him. But now here he is, larger than life, still the man who makes her heart race and he is doing his best to let her know he wants her back.

This show is going to be the catalyst for changes in both their lives. Billy is going to have to step up and take on responsibilities he has basically turned a blind eye on. Maddy is going to realize this isn't the man she divorced so many years ago. This is a very good man. But does she have the guts to try again.

All he has to do is play by her rules. Tough assignment for the guy holding the league's record for most minutes in the penalty box

CRAZY THING CALLED LOVE is no light hearted fare. O'Keefe keeps the momentum of the present story going at a breathtaking pace with well placed visits back to the past providing insight into these characters. What made them the people we meet today. She reminds us not to judge paths people take, decisions they make. Don't judge until you've walked in my shoes.