Knock on the door………old friend Karen

obviously very upset….distraught

” It’s John he has been seeing someone else”

I’ve known them both for 35 years or more

“ I am so over him and his lies…… he says it’s just a lady he’s doing a project with …….yeah a project alright”

crying uncontrollably

“ Are you sure?”

”I think so…… works late …….says he’s tired doesn’t what to”.
———

“Well first of all ……. If it doesn’t matter……why are you crying?……… because it does matter and we need to start there…….get honest.”

”You love him?”

sobbing……..”Yes”

“then until you are sure …….you give Ted the benefit of a doubt and keep your eyes and head open and call me when you know and I’ll walk it out with you both and not take sides”

I get a call a week later it’s Karen ……..she had dinner with her husband and his coworkers family and she knew she was wrong. The lady had a lovely family and it was apparent that they meant everything to her…….Ted never said a word . They finished the project and got a National Award for their design for a retirement community. The $100,000 dollar award finished off their kids student loans.
Every year on September 25th I get a phone call from Karen on their anniversary. She always start with:  “ If it doesn’t matter why are you crying.”

She said that gave her the courage to try and her life has been blessed because I was the best friend a girl could ever have.”

if it doesn’t matter…..why are you crying?

O