Truth, Like Surgery

It has been my experience that even when we feel the most alone, the most vulnerable or the most enraged, guidance and support surrounds us, if we only take time to notice.nnA huge ice storm hit just before Christmas. Branches laden with ice brought down wires and utility poles, not to mention extensive damage to property. The storm left many families, including my own, without power or heat for some time. Fortunate to have family that did not lose power in the storm, the kids and I had a warm place to stay for the duration.nnI took the kids out during our time away, and noticed the following on a church's sign :nn"Truth, like surgery, may hurt, but it cures "n~ Han Suyen nnWhile reading it, I had a moment of disquieting clarity. Often, we know the solution to whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. It's just a question of being ready to accept it. This was the case for me at the time.nnWithout going into the gory details of a parasitic relationship, because truly, I am at a loss to believe or understand them myself, let's just say this message became a seed that grew in my heart. Nourished by what I already knew to be true, but was not quite ready to accept, the message was undeniable. It was impossible to ignore and slowly I grew ready to accept the harsh truth that a man I had believed in, heart and soul, was nothing more than a common liar and cheat. Acknowledging this also meant I had to acknowledge my part in accepting the unacceptable rather than leave when I first realized with how little integrity he conducted his life and with how little respect he treated me.nnIt was a bitter pill to swallow. It was so much easier to hear what I wanted to hear, see what I wanted to see and believe what I wanted to be true.nnThe fact of the matter, is that change and growth require a catalyst. Unfortunately, more often than not, it usually takes the form of a very hard lesson; one we all would prefer to do without.nnEvery bit of drama we live through, though, prepares us for better; better lives, better choices, higher standards. While I rage for justice I know will come in its own time, it is comforting to know that free from a toxic, abusive relationship, I'm still here and have the power to refuse to settle for the unacceptable.nnblessings,nnCatie