Today is Memorial Day. A day of remembrance for all of our military personnel who died while serving this great country of ours. A day to remember those who did not come home alive.
Oddly this day also marks the 46th anniversary of my wedding day. Sadly, the marriage did not stand the test of time and ended just a short 18 years after the wedding. The marriage may have died, but the love in my heart did not. The pain is still in my heart. Although it has lessened over time, I still tear up thinking about it all. However, I know that God has a plan for my life and that sometimes I need to go through the pain to get where He needs me to be.
Several years after our divorce, I was talking with a priest and asking him how I could forgive the transgressions and hurt my ex-husband had caused. I explained to the priest that I still loved and cared for my ex-husband and that at the end of the day I wanted him to be happy. I told the priest that if my ex-husband could not be happy with me, I needed to love him enough to let him go so he could be happy with another. As I finished, I asked again, "How do I forgive him" and the priest smiled at me and said, "My dear, it sounds to me that you just have". As I looked at the priest I felt a burden lift from my shoulders and I realized he was right. I harbored no anger or bad feelings toward my ex-husband. I only wanted him to be happy.
Today, as I remember all of the military personnel who died fighting for the freedom we enjoy in this country, I also remember the good times I had during those 18 years of marriage. I say a prayer for the years I had in that marriage, for those who have died, and I say a prayer for my ex-husband. Praying that he is well and happy.