Signs in the Rearview Mirror

Posted bystilllearning2bPosted inLife's LessonsTags:, , , , , ,

Rear View Mirror

How could I be with someone for 16 years and not realize he was leading a double life?  I have asked myself that question more times than I want to admit.  It dominated my thoughts for a long time; how could I be so blind?  So foolish? So naive?

My marriage was a familiar road, a path well-traveled.  I knew every curve, every bump, every blind drive.  It wasn’t always that way.  In the early years, I thoroughly invested each novel feature of the road.  But, over time, I learned to trust in its characteristics.  I never had reason not to.  My husband had proven himself trustworthy time and time again.  It took me several years, but I eventually placed my total and utter confidence in him.

We had a good marriage right up until the end.  We were affectionate, intimate, spent time together, and talked about (what seemed like) everything.  That never changed.  He held me tenderly and kissed me passionately when he dropped me off at the airport to see family.  He left while I was still on that trip.  Hours before the text that ended the marriage, I received one that said, “Love you. Have a good night:).” Those words and acts were consistent with the man I knew.  Or the man I thought I knew.

He never appeared to be hiding anything.  He would leave his smart phone laying about and even encouraged me to use it.  His computer was open access.  He never got defensive if I asked him a question.  He never withdrew. I had no reason to look for signs.  No reason to doubt him.  I know now that he was frantically covering any signs along our shared road with camouflage netting, ensuring they stay invisible.  A task he was very skilled at.

There are some signs that are only visible in the rearview mirror.  I can now look back and see how some pieces of the puzzle fit together.  He had severe hypertension, to the point where he would lose consciousness, those last few months.  I realize now that it must have been from the stress he was under.  But, I certainly didn’t think then that he might be stressed from planning a wedding.  He took the jacket he wore on our wedding day to the cleaners.  How was I supposed to know it would have a starring role in another wedding within the week?  Those signs meant nothing because there was no precedent for what was being concealed.  I could not have even imagined what was going on under the cover of the brush alongside our marriage.

Ultimately, I will never know what happened.  I could drive myself crazy analyzing every encounter, every word, looking for clues I could have spotted.  Perhaps should have spotted.  That seems pointless to me, however.  I choose to live my life looking forward through the windshield rather than keeping an eye in the rearview mirror.

 

 

Thank you for sharing!

8 thoughts on “Signs in the Rearview Mirror”

  1. stephenedwards425 – Nashville, Indiana – I began life going the wrong way. After nearly two decades I had a life revelation. As part of my turn around I became an ultra-distance runner, who a few years ago, ran 3,160 mile across the United States, from Pacific Grove, CA to Rehobeth Beach, DE. Along the way I learned a few things about life, motivation, pain, and, as I like to say, "gobs of other stuff." I co-founded, along with my wife Susie, LifeRevelation. We develop the content for Women's Professional Development Conferences. What Cirque du Soliel has done for circuses is what we envision doing for motivational seminars. We incorporate acrobats, magicians, uni-cyclists, fire-eaters, hand puppets, and drama, as well as speakers, into our program. When women leave our one-day conferences, they are Stronger, Better, and Ready For Whatever. Life is a Revelation...Be encouraged!
    stephenedwards425 says:

    Bottom line…I don’t know how you do it…but I am exceedingly proud of you…please continue writing…unfortunately far more share your story than I could ever imagine…they all need a voice…and a picture of the way out.

    Be encouraged!

    Reply

    2. i don’t know if this will be a comfort to you, but you can bet that his new wife will in time be sharing your story also. the leopard doesn’t change his spots. continue on the course you’ve taken, and find ways to enjoy life.

      Reply

      1. I feel sorry for his new wife. She was a victim in this. They married three months after meeting and she had no idea he was married. We even talked during the single day he spent he jail. Ultimately, she decided to stay with him. I am worried for her.

        Reply

        1. you’ve got what we call in hebrew a “neshomah”, which means a caring soul. she will have to find her own way to survive the crash, but i wouldn’t be surprised if she calls on you for support. god bless you!

          Reply
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    Fierce Over 40 says:

    Don’t worry for the new wife. She obviously has a path to take in this life. I refrain from calling her stupid because it’s so obvious. Amazing though. I had a boyfriend commit suicide, a total shock to me. Took my life down. Later I found another to be living a double life including his sexuality.

    Reply
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