I've never understood how enlightenment can excuse someone who walks away from his family the day after his son was born, without even telling anyone,

This is what Siddhartha did when he began his journey to oneness. Perhaps it's about expanding Universal Love, but that wouldn't compensate for the pain he caused his wife, Princess Yasodhara.

There's a big difference between men and women, and fortunately for her, the other women in her family and the palace held her close with their love.

The two authors, Janet Surrey and Samuel Shem, have written "The Buddha's Wife", about this story, imagining how she was helped. It's also about the ensuing journey of the family in light of Buddha's fame and spiritual restrictions.