Author: Mother

Very disappointingly this week, I discovered that a leopard does indeed not change its spots.  Several years and several chances later, time has proved that an individual can merrily and blatantly continue to deceive and destroy.  More than irritating are the repeated (and completely meaningless) expressions of regret, sorrow and repentance.  We have heard it all before and we know that in not too short a time, we will hear it all yet again.  Have you been there on this life journey which we are taking together?

So, what are our options?  We know that the individual will choose not to change, and will choose not to develop integrity, open-ness or honesty.  We know that s/he will continue to make our life far less easy, less enjoyable, less comfortable.  We even know that s/he will believe that somehow our tolerance equates to acceptance and even – depending on their degree of deluded arrogance – collusion.  What shall we do?

The best and ultimate revenge is to live well.  Refuse to be poisoned by bitterness or deserted by hope.  Permit yourself 48 hours of mind-numbing anger – but not one second more.  Hold your head high and walk tall.  Remember that their shame (even if they are too arrogant and ignorant to appreciate it) is not yours!  You are a moral, ethical person and that means a great deal in a world where those values are in seemingly short supply.  Be all that you can be and leave your “leopard” behind – morally, mentally and magnificently, even if you can’t do it physically.

Live well, fellow traveller, live well.

Being propelled into a new and strange area – many miles from friends and family – leaves one vulnerable, unsure and timid.  The appearance of A.N. Other, who is confident in the surroundings and knowledgeable of the basic customs, culture and practices of daily life, instantly brightens the situation.  When one has indulged in years of home improvement shows, purchased a property with encyclopaedic refurbishment needs, has a budget of 50p and encounters A.N. Other whose additional piece de resistance is that he’s a builder…  Are you with me?

My builder’s standard line of, “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out.  I’ll look after you,” is a particularly potent one.  Combine that with the link that we share a birthday, he has treated my two youngest sons as apprentices and I’m battling terminal loneliness, agoraphobia and paralysing depression, and A.N. Other transmutes into guardian angel; or so I thought.

The appearance, on Thursday, of a final bill 2-3 times more than expected, with no receipts or explanation has changed everything – or has it?  On Monday evening, we look forward to discovering, from the man himself, how he has arrived at his total.  When I know, I’ll let you know.  But remember, “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out…”!