I finally get rid of all the little boys that have hung around Brian this weekend, jump in the shower to begin the countdown to our Sunday evening, when Brian yells. "There is someone at the door!" How I am to deal with this while shampooing my hair is anyone’s guess, but only a child will do something this annoying. "Who is at the door?" I yell out to him. "I don't know!" he answers. I quickly rinse my hair, step out of the shower into my robe and go to the door while bitching at Brian. He reminds me that I have always told him never to open the door to strangers. Oh yeah ... there is that...
I open my door to this petite girl in a jogging suit and baseball cap, who begins saying, "God Damn Cath I have had enough and I am coming in!"
It is Stephanie.
I grin, "Ok, what's up?" (I would have to ask this). Oh let the lecture begin. "Ok I am tired of this,” she begins, "I love you and I am tired of this. I want you to work with me. I want you in business with me. I want you to let someone help you. I hate that you are around your ex husband. Let us go sit on your couch and talk about this and I am not taking no for an answer! I came over because you are not answering your phone and I can’t stand this for one minute longer"
I follow her like a dutiful child to the living room. I am smart enough to know when I have to sit down and listen to a beautiful woman, and a dear friend. Tears well up in her eyes as she says, "I miss you. I miss the old you, but I understand. I have been you. I have been there and please let me help you get your life back. Please? I am begging you. I want you working with me, traveling to Florida, having fun, and laughing again. I want you to write your book. I want to sit in the audience when you are famous and say 'I helped her get here'. I know I can help you make your dreams come true and it starts with getting you away from your ex. We can be in business together and go to the gym together. We can laugh together. I can help you come back. Lean on ME Catherine, please? Please don't say no."
I look at her with her big blue eyes and her kind soul. A beautiful single mother who has raised two great kids all on her own. We often compare ex husbands since they are so alike we are sure they were separated at birth. Her stories are painful because it is like hearing my own married life. I still do not know what to do or say.
She gets out her checkbook, writes a check and hands it to me. "What is this?" I ask. "This is time," she responds, "I am buying your time, your brains, your talent, your friendship so you will see how serious I am. I know you are laying awake every night scared out of your mind with no one to hold you, praying you will pull down a miracle. I am your miracle. I am here. Everyone is this damn town loves you Catherine and we want our girl back." Tears begin to roll down my face. I am at a loss for words.
She takes my hand, "Lets dig you back out together. Someday we will look back on all this and laugh. I love you. I am sure God sent you into my world to be my friend. You are a true blessing - a wonderful person. Please come work with me...please. I miss that girl who used to push her way into our office and demand loans in pink high heels and a handbag to match. This job will allow you to get well, go to school and write your book … wear pink shoes"
I laugh, and then sigh. "Ok, let's try this." I respond. She leaps to her feet with a grin as wide as Texas and exclaims, "Good, dry your hair and lets all go out to dinner. I'm buying."
Well look at this…. tomorrow I start the grand adventure of disconnecting from my ex once again and begin the next phase of my life.
I prayed to God for so long it feels strange when he answers.
Until next time-
C
http://journals.aol.com/rapieress/Aweekinthelife/
Sunday, November 19, 2006
REMEMBER. NO MAN IS A FAILURE WHO HAS FRIENDS.
