TITLE: The Dreaded Reunion By Lisa Huber 06/08/08 |
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One day, not long ago, young woman faced her biggest fear of being reunited with her former fiancé. Although it had been 12 years since they were together, each day she was taunted by words and actions from those times together. Sarah knew when she did see him, all her battles to continue forgiving would be challenged. This man had held her captive by his words and actions. How could she face seeing him face to face again?
Thinking back, she realized how innocently the relationship had started. One night at a picnic, they struck up a conversation. Sarah was home for the summer and was looking for the opportunity to pursue jobs in television and radio. Sam had the connections to help her.
One thing led to another, and soon Sarah and Sam were spending a great deal of time together. The more they talked, the more fun they had. As the months passed, the relationship deepened. The two started dating and Sarah began to learn about being a mom to Sam’s daughter. He had been married before and things had gone awry. He loved his little girl Mindy so much, and really wanted her to grow up with a mommy. As a 19 year old, Sarah was scared, but quickly grew to love Mindy too. Mindy began to think of Sarah as a mom.
One night, while putting Mindy to bed, Sarah was shocked to hear these fearful words, “Are you going to leave me like my other mom?” Stabbed to the heart, Sarah hugged Mindy and said, “No, Mindy, I’m not that kind of mom. I’m here to stay.” Little did Sarah know how those words would haunt her over the next days and even years when her promise had to be broken for her own safety.
It was now the end of May and the relationship was very rocky. Many close friends had encouraged Sarah to get out of the relationship and not marry Sam. They warned her of the dangers of marrying someone with such a strong temper. Others said she wasn’t thinking. Her parents had regretfully agreed to the engagement, but continued to pray the relationship would end before it was too late.
The day was warm and busy. Three days remained before the wedding and there was much to be done. A friend stopped by to talk with Sarah and her mom. The friend was worried that Mindy was being abused. She had seen bruises in strange places and felt they should know about them. She also shared that she was worried about Sarah. This friend had been an abused wife two different times and felt that she saw the signs. She didn’t want Sarah to go through that.
Later that night as Sarah’s family approached Sam about the situation, he tried so hard to hold it together in front of Sarah’s family, but when they got outside things got dangerous. Sam blew up and let his angry words slam against Sarah. He exploded. As he tried to walk away, Sarah stopped him saying he couldn’t leave this mad. Sam took his keys and threw them at her. Sarah ducked inside and narrowly missed getting injured by the keys.
As the night wore on, the conversation got louder and harsher. Sarah knew what she must do. She told him that they were not going to get married. It was over. She was done with being abused by his anger and the words he would twist to say what he wanted them to say. After a harsh exchange, it was over. Done.
The next week when they passed, he begged her never to tell anyone of how he had sexually used her. He wanted Sarah to promise. She said, “No. I will not promise because someday, I will marry a man who truly loves me for me and not my body and he deserves to know.
Today, Sarah knew she had to face him. They were going to be together at the wedding of Mindy. It was not going to be easy to see Sam or face his wife and kids knowing what happened back then. She dreaded seeing him, but knew she must do it for Mindy and her soon-to-be husband. It was important to them. It was important to Sarah’s future too. She had to face her fears head on.
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