Returning the ring

Aaron called me in to his room. 

I walk in and he's sitting on his bed, tear filled eyes.

His chin quivers as he informs me that he's returned the ring and that they were nice enough to issue a refund. He'd like me to help keep an eye out for the check. 

He looks down and the tears fall as he whispers past the knot in his throat, "you were right."  He explains that she confessed to a flirtation going on between her and her boss. 

"I'm so sorry. I didn't want to be right - I just want you to trust your instincts." (He'd had a suspicion because there were signs.)

Aaron and Candice had just spent the night together recently at a hotel in one of his efforts to talk things out and reconcile. "But," he cried, "she's changed. She's not the Candice she used to be and I just miss the old Candice."

I think returning the ring, for him, was one way of resolving himself that the relationship was truly over.

I say a quick prayer in my head for the right words and explain, "ya know, there are things in relationships that we say, 'this is the line that you just don't cross because this will end the relationship. I can't forgive it.' and then the next thing you know that very thing has happens and we're tested. But I've also learned that it's amazing the things that we can forgive. We'll just take this one day at a time."

My poor, poor baby. I'm sure it sounds as though I've just encouraged him to be in a relationship where he was completely disrespected. That was not my intent. But I think about how some people can forgive so much and go on to have a super healthy and loving relationship; while other relationships end. 

He'll figure this all out. That's one thing I have learned about Aaron, and love - he is very, very responsible and smart and rational. He's got a real good head on his shoulders and good taste too! Despite Candice's actions lately, she's a beautiful girl and she's a good girl! She was wonderful for Aaron. They balanced each other. He's a better person today because of her and likewise, Aaron has been really good for her too. So no matter what happens, I know that Aaron will be okay. 

I trust him.