Figure It Out

Sometimes I hear the echo of your words in my head. 

“Figure it out.” 

In a way, I ought to thank you for being so precise and honest.  Those chilling words were delivered callously, with a sneer, and without a trace of remorse or second thought, with no sign of guilt or trepidation.   You were walking out on us anyway, but I reminded you of the commitment you’d made to my children – most immediately to care for them before and after school.  But your response of “Figure it out” stopped me dead in my tracks.  Although you continued to shock and devastate me with the actions you chose in the hours to come, it was this moment that made me see you for what you are.

So guess what?  I figured it out.  I figured out that not everyone keeps their promises.  I figured out that some people love conditionally.  I figured out that I’m one of the few people my children can count on to love them and care for them whether I’m angry, disappointed, annoyed, or anything else.  I figured out how to resolve the identity theft you committed – both literally and figuratively.   I figured out that seemingly nice people can do horrible things.  I figured out that faith is better placed in God than in people.  I figured a lot out, just as you instructed me. 

What you said when you left
Just left me cold and out of breath...
...and when you slammed the front door shut
A lot of others opened up
So did my eyes so I could see
That you never were the best for me
~Daughtry