Journal Entry May 1998

I opened the book
and realized before I had read a single page,
that it was the most special gift
anyone had ever given me.

Beth had made a book of statistics,
and pointed out on each page how many I had overcome,
and on the final page,
she had donated to a battered women's charity in my name.

It was the only way I could be reminded of my previous marriage,
and pain, and feel such growth and warmth at the same time.

The past cannot be changed,
the future is still in your power.
- Hugh White (1773-1840)