Nothing Left to Say

I saw an old friend today, in the main office of my littlest's new school. It's not a school we are at by choice, but rather by no choice. If we'd had our wish, nothing would have changed.

I didn't know this old friend was there when I entered the office. It was only during my brief conversation with office staff that I was aware of her behind me. I waited for her to say something. I didn't say a word.

I realized that I didn't have to. There is nothing left to say. There are 20 years of history, and nothing left to say. She made a choice, based on one part of a conversation that I was never allowed to have. It's a loss we both feel, my husband and I; part sadness, part melancholy, part pity, part relief.

She was still there when I left, no words shared. In another lifetime, a lifetime was shared. But now. Now there is nothing left to say.

Real Love

Real love
is gritty.
It sweats and waits,
it causes you to hold
your
tongue when
you
want
to scream in anger
and it causes many men
to accomplish extraordinary feats.

-Meg Meeker