They Babysit Me

The first nights were a relief for me but people who cared about me were worried for my safety. Many people offered to come over and sleep in the middle bedroom if I wanted. I didn't really want it; I was just so glad to be back in the house. Dolores said she'd come over after dinner. No, I was okay, I said. Kyle didn't take 'no' for an answer. He sent his best friend over to stay. From out in the desert, he called his friend and had him come over to be my bodyguard. He wanted to watch TV. And try as I might, I could NOT get anything to work for him. He was my sentinel, though, and I don't know if he ever slept at all. He took his post quite seriously.

My sister flew down on Friday. What joy she brought to me! She was my constant companion for three days. We talked, we watched movies, we somehow got the TV to work, she went with me to the concert and she helped with Dad. The concert was music of the 60's. We loved every minute of it. We chair danced and Dad got annoyed. The trio sang. We wore our blond beehive wigs with peace-symbol headbands and sang 'Our Day Will Come' and 'Do-Wah Diddy'. Having her here was wonderful support. The time went by so quickly. The next thing I knew, she was on a plane for home again.

As my sister and other family members became aware of our impending divorce, they shared things they had held back for twenty-two years. It wasn't as if I hadn't known. They didn't like you. They felt I had sold myself short when I married you. My brother, who likes and accepts everybody, said that his Shit List, albeit short, has you on it. All were cautious about sharing their feelings, more out of hesitation that I might take you back again than out of deference to you. Now they send me encouraging text messages every day. My brother's is: "Trust me. You're way too good for that worthless bum. You're gonna make it and it will all be over before you know it. And it will be worth it!" My little sister's is: "Hi, Honey, just want you to know we're thinking about you and love you. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can conceive of the glorious riches God has prepared for those who love Him. Keep your eyes on Jesus---everything else will confuse you and make you question yourself. Trust HIM!"