Words That Helped - Part 2

Before I begin Part 2, there is a bit of a backstory you will need to hear in order to understand why these words were helpful. 

Without getting into too much detail, I will say that I never wanted my daughter to marry Kitty's dad.  In fact, I fought it in every way I could, which included talking to both her pastor and mine.  Very simply, I did not trust future son-in-law. 

There were too many secrets.  I saw how he drove.  I knew his reputation as 'the party boy' in his neighborhood - even though he was much too old to be considered a 'boy'.  Every time Mandy left with him, I feared she would never come home. 

All of my family and friends knew I opposed the marriage, many of them in agreement with me, yet no one standing firm with me.  It was extremely hurtful.  The closest I came to an alliance was my youngest daughter, Em, who straddled the fence between her sister and her mom.  And so, the wedding took place.

Five years later - at Kitty's visitation, the night before her funeral - the most comforting words came from my niece, Amy.  As we were saying good night in the parking lot of the funeral home, she said to me, "Five years ago, we were standing in a parking lot like this and I told you that everything was going to be OK ... I am so sorry.  It's not OK and I am so sorry."

Hallelujah!!  Amy realized what I had feared those years before.  She got it.  The greatest consolation that night- out of all the hundreds of people who came to pay respect - was that she finally understood my fears from before the dreaded wedding.

I think others realized it, too, but in the days following Kitty's death and funeral, no one said anything.  To this day, no one has made mention of my apprehensions or that my worst nightmare had actually come true.

Knowing someone understands you is a gift.  Listen for it and hang on tight - you will be greatly blessed.