S is for Scoundrel

A couple of weeks ago I attended a bash in celebration of Football's hottest event: Super Bowl. As the sound of tackles, runs and crunches filled the room- I mingled with some unfamiliar guests. Friends of friends, that sort of thing. Sitting around the table, we chatted away, getting acquainted and trying to place if we had all met in earlier times through other friends or at some local pub throughout College. We griped about stories over the years, particularly those scandoulous enough to make its way into every social gathering. Several laughs later, it was my turn. Somewhere during the conversation, someone pointed out that one of the guys had previously worked with my ex, and he immediately turned and all attention focused on me. Turns out the two had worked at the same establishment for awhile. When he learned of who my ex was, and the lenghth of time we were involved, he quitely placed his hand on my arm. He looked straight into my eyes and said, " I am so sorry". His words were genuine. I always knew my ex was a creep , but you know he was a dirty, rotten scoundrel when two years later, someone you've never met sincerely takes the time to provide his sympathies.

At that moment, years of lies, transgressions and deception flashed before my eyes. I read his facial expression, and knew instantly that he would be able to provide me with the missing pieces from so many years ago. Instead, with my head held up high, I answered , "Its okay. It was a huge learning experience".

I realized at that moment as those words escaped my lips, that I had grown- that somewhere along the way a lesson was learned. Back in my early to mid twenties- I would have jumped on the opportunity to gather evidence, sift through it, and re-hash it trying to understand why, be angry and cause a huge scene.

Somewhere out of that experience, I learned that you don't need to understand why. You just need to accept it.