Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Hodge Podge of Pain


Divorce court.

I think I imagined Judge Judy to be present. Or Dr. Phil. It was just us, a cheery bailiff and about 10 petitioners in a State of Texas courtroom.

Things were said like

presiding judge.

your honor.

testimony.

I couldn't help but smirk at the hodge podge crowd I mingled with. One kid was in there just to change his name. I bet he wondered why everyone seemed so solemn.

Because solemn it was. Except for "Lanita" who sat in front of me. Her long weave bounced in a pony-tail as she approached the judge's bench. When he approved her request, she turned with a smile, her ponytail bouncing more and her shirt read "I'm trying to imagine what you would be like if you were interesting."

She plopped back down in the seat in front of me, her phone buzzing loudly in her bright red purse.

The guy next to me was called. Young. Tall. Sad.

We sat, obliged to listen as the simple facts held an unspoken story. Nine months married. Just long enough to incubate pain, love, disappointment and now divorce. He made his way back to the seat in front of me, dropped his papers on the floor and his eyes flooded. I watched as the 6'4 young man broke with the pain of finality.

Lanita turned, and watched him. I winced as she leaned over to touch his arm, afraid she would disturb his solemnity with a "Wanna tissue?"

But no.

Instead, she smiled, her long weave curled around her chubby cheeks and she whispered, "It's all gonna be ok, honey. It's all gonna be ok."

Pain separates us.

But it can unite us too.

4 comments:

  1. So true... so sorry you´re going through this... so hoping I could have sat with you, not saying anything, just being there. Love you!

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  2. "It's all gonna be ok"...that seems to be a common theme for you sweet Andrea. Well I believe with all my heart that it's going to be more than ok. You are allowing God to turn your pain into a beautiful stained glass window! He is melding all of the shattered pieces of your heart into a beautifully, unique masterpiece that shines His light through for all to see.

    Excited to see what He has in store for this next season of your life!

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  3. So much I want to say, yet none of it seems to be enough. I love you sweet friend. So thankful for you. I don't understand all the whys and hows of life"s journeys, but I do know you've made my journey better! Thinking of you & praying for you.

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  4. I just stumbled upon your blog, and I really love it. I noticed your (in)courage button immediately; I have one on my page as well! I'll look forward to visiting you again.

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