STORYTIME TAPESTRY

 Special Treat  - April 2, 2005

You Are Happy

Carol Roach

At the time you came into my life, I pushed you away. You were not good-looking enough. My world revolved around finding the cutest boyfriend. My former love was drop-dead-gorgeous in my eyes. It made me feel so good that I could have someone so handsome. I knew my friends were jealous, and I felt superior every time one of them started dating a-not-so-good-looking guy.

You had so many qualities that in my youth I totally ignored. I did not see the soul hidden behind the otherwise average looking shell of a body. You were not well built; you were not drop-dead-gorgeous. But your heart was good. You would have given me the world and more. You were intelligent, witty (even though, at the time I found it annoying) and you were kind and gentle. I knew I hurt you when I shunned your attention. I knew you wanted us to build a life together. I could not see through my own bias. I could not see you!

Later, my drop-dead-gorgeous guy left for a drop-dead-gorgeous girl. You were still there for me waiting in the wings, ever patient, ever given. I cried on your shoulder, you comforted me. I monopolized your time with my foolish chatter, you listened and waited. You helped to build my spirit to the point that I could see through my pain and continue to live. You helped me to realize that I could love again.

How did I repay you? I found another drop-dead-gorgeous guy and this time I married him. I never thought that after all the years we had together, that you would decide that it was time to make a life for yourself as well. I never anticipated that you would find somebody who wanted and loved you. I guess I felt that you would wait for me forever.

I later divorced the drop-dead-gorgeous guy and you continued to flourish in your marriage. You fathered a beautiful little girl who simply idolized you. You were a good provider, husband, father, and friend. You were happier than I ever had known you to be. And when I saw how happy you were, I finally realized my foolish error. But it was too late and I remained silent.

Today, I am divorced, but finally have found the right man for me. I never told you how bad I felt for taking advantage of your friendship, how bad I felt for dismissing you, and spurning your love. Today I apologize for being so self-centered that I could not see the beauty in you. But I am happy that you finally found the woman who could care for you as much as you care for her. I am happy you are happy and I wish that we could be friends once more.

Winterose @videotron.ca