What happened to the Karr family when Mary moved away from Texas to pursue her education?

When Mary moved away from home to pursue her education, which included a Master's Degree in poetry, Lecia met and married a wealthy Texan and became a successful businesswomen. At the urging of her daughters, Charlie quit drinking, but remained addicted to Valium and other painkillers. Pete retired from his work and began running errands for his son-in-law. Mary remained close to her mother through phone conversations, but her relationship with Pete became strained.