I was wrong about something. I made an assumption about one of mom’s friends that was wrong.

Mom’s dearest friends are a bunch of well put together ladies. They have generous and Godly spirits. When I look at them, I just cannot imagine any of them having any of the same challenges in life that I have had. I learned differently the other day.

Mom had not really shared with her friends all of the details of why I was now living with her. Actually, I think beyond letting them know I was having marriage difficulties she had not really told them much of anything. It was not because she was embarrassed, it was out of respect for my privacy. So when they came over the other day, and I declined their lunch invitation because I needed some downtime, I felt I needed to explain to them that I had an anxiety disorder. The conversation progressed from there.

I talked about my depression, my suicide attempt, and my marriage. Actually, I went into quite a bit of detail about my marriage, and the events that led to me moving in with mom and dad. While I was talking, I noticed one of mom’s friends really identifying with what I was saying. In fact, she made some really spot on observations. She was able to point out Joe Bob’s controlling behavior, his manipulation, and other negative behavior that he exhibits. She was even able to clearly identify some of his manipulative behavior – that to outsiders looks perfectly harmless.

At some point, she shared a few things about her own life. I was surprised by what I heard. This gentle, soft spoken lady had marriage war stories of her own. Hers involved a great deal of physical abuse. Yet, she did not seem bitter, or angry. She honestly seemed at peace with her past. What an inspiration! What a lesson I learned!

I think I would love to hear her story. I think she has a lot to teach me. She has already taught me a big lesson about assuming someone has had it easy just because they look like they have it all together.