It started out as a normal day and then there was a knock at my classroom door. I walked out to find one of my coworkers, who then says, “Someone wanted to say hello to you.” I thought to myself, I hope this isn’t an irate parent… I’m just not prepared for a parent conference right now. I turned to my right and there she was… my ex-mother-in-law. As far as awkward moments, this one took the prize! I’m not a fan of drama and I’m certainly not a fan of drama at my job. I didn’t know whether to run back into my locked classroom with my students or turn all the way up and call security.
She smiled at me and said “Hello Donnie.” I smiled back and said a long drawn out “hello,” trying to hide my confusion. She then proceeded to tell me that she had retired the previous year and was a substitute teacher. The last time I saw her was in court when her son and I finalized our divorce.
She then went on to say “I tell all of the students that I come across your story… about your writing and how it doesn’t matter where you come from…you can make anything of yourself.” I was surprised, because this was the same woman who had choice words many times throughout my marriage to her son, from time to time.
One thing that she couldn’t deny or take away now or then, was that I gave my all to my ex-husband but there were literally some issues that just couldn’t be worked out. We were both unhappy, incredibly detached and slowly choked out the life of not only our marriage but our individual selves.
As my mind started to drift, I realized that she was still standing there. I congratulated her on her retirement and thanked her for stopping by. It was at that moment that I realized that ultimately the truth does prevail. The fact that she went out of her way to say hello and wish me well… meant everything to me. My ex-husband and I didn’t have a messy divorce… no fighting over property and we didn’t have children so there wasn’t a custody battle. The thing is, everything comes full circle and I am happy to know that even though we’ve all moved on, I left a positive impression on my ex-mother-in-law. Even though the marriage fell apart, the truth fell together and the truth was and still is that I am an asset in the lives of those that I love…
BMWK – stay true to yourself and do the right thing and truth will prevail.
Featured Image: Ifoto