Dear Mike

Mike,

I apologize for putting so much pressure on the situation yesterday. On the surface, I know that seems unfair – and it was certainly outside the social norms on which we all rely for stability and tranquility.

I apologize for upsetting your mother and making her life, for the moment, a little more stressful.

I’m also sorry for upsetting your girlfriend. I tried not to directly argue with her, because I felt like I had put her in a situation where she felt like she had to defend her honor and shut me down.

So, I take responsibility for my part in the fairly exciting event. 🙂

I didn’t press charges because when you started talking, I was listening and I heard you.

I heard that I was messing with a situation in which not everything was obvious.

But when you decided not to hit me, I was so proud of you that I suddenly respected and trusted that you were telling the truth.

And then I saw my past me in your current you.

There was a time when I felt powerless because I depended on other people, women, for my sense the little sense of calm and well being that I allowed them to provide for me.

Freedom is when you learn that you can feel calm and safe even when you’re alone.

And then, you have all the power in the world.

I didn’t press charges because I decided I’ve always been on your side, and my side, and your mom’s side, and your girlfriend’s side.

When we’re all on the same side, then no one is on the other side.

I don’t need to win because then you lose.

I’m going to stay firmly out of your business and your mom’s and your girlfriend’s.

I don’t know what’s going to happen with the matter between Stephanie and her. That’s not in my hands.

I said once very nice thing to your girlfriend, and I meant it… because I had a sudden appreciation for her, too. She’s got a very sweet kernel in her. I thought she was going to smile for just a second.

I hope you found some nice today!!

OH!! And thank you for the offer of the tamale that day. I actually LOVE those, but I’ve been hooked on frozen burritos for some time. I get the frozen tamales for treats sometimes. I’m sort of a Mexican ANYTHING junkie.