That Took Longer Than It Should Have

In the last post, I mentioned something great happening while we were waiting for Joel to see the doctor.  Let me fill in the backstory...

Ten years ago, I got into a fight with a very good friend.  I said some extremely hurtful things to her and the friendship was instantly over.  We never spoke another word to each other.  Over the years, I have seen her from time to time and, each time, I have wanted to just walk over and apologize but I never did.  I have considered writing her an apologetic letter, but I didn't know where she lived (she's not listed in the phone book either).  The words that I chose to say to her were horribly, horribly cruel and it has eaten away at me ever since.  An apology wouldn't allow me to erase those words, but it was still something I knew I had to do.

Back to the doctor's office...Katelyn and I rushed ahead into the office while Mike was unloading Joel from the van.  As I stepped into the office...there she was.  Sitting in the waiting room.  And the only available chairs were right next to her.  We made eye contact for a split second and I turned to the receptionist's desk to sign in for Joel.  And then it was time to sit down.

As I sat, I glanced over.  I was terrified that she was going to be shooting daggers my way or sitting with her hand out, ready to slap me.  Instead, my old friend was grinning from ear to ear at Katelyn.  And that was all I needed.  I blurted out how sorry I was and how horrible I have felt all this time.  I blathered on for a good minute before she finally shook her head and said, "That's ancient history - it's in the past".  At that moment, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  As we waited for our names to be called, we continued to chat.  We gave each other a quick update on what had been going on in our lives - kids, work, husbands etc.  Then she was called back into the exam room.  But I didn't want that to be the end of our chat.  We were still waiting in the main waiting room when she came back out.  I was ready with a piece of paper with my number and email on it.  As I handed it to her, she said, "That had better be your phone number!". 

The ball is in her court now.  I don't know if she'll phone, but I hope she does.  I don't know if we'll get the chance to talk again, but I really hope we do.  I don't know if there's a chance for us to become friends again, but I really hope we can.  At the very least, I am so thankful to have finally had the chance to apologize.