The highway stretched before me one straight shot, no variation in scenery, nor a dip in the rode or a peek of a hill. The boys and I headed north on 45 to my hometown Sherman, Texas. I’m coming home for the longest visit in Sherman since the boys were in pre-K. Seth was the first to make certain I knew he was excited for this extended stay of five days at Mema & Papa’s house. It was easier when they were younger and not in school and I wasn’t working. I could pick up at any time and head home to visit as long as I liked. Times change and unfortunately we get caught up in our own bubble of life which does not allow for a five hour one way drive for less than a 2 day weekend visit to ‘fit in’ comfortably within the schedule.
Now that I’m not tied to a ‘job’ that insists on specific hours per week, etc I feel that freedom again and it is exhilerating to know I can be home long enough to make my rounds and visit cousins, aunts and uncles and maybe even visit Joe’s grave (aka: ‘Matt’ in the book). I will admit there was another purpose to this visit and that is my 20th high school reunion. I managed to get a small spot on the local news to promote the book and I’ll be doing a book signing since I have yet to do one in my hometown since the book was published.
Both Ryan and Seth were knocked out once the rubber hit the road so for miles I listened to music and fought my own need to catch a nap. Thankfully I managed to make a few phone calls (safely of course) and ended up receiving one of the greatest gifts that was both timely and confirming. I spoke with a woman who is interested in having me come speak in Nacogdoches, Texas where I went to college. We were speaking about the event and other opportunities that could come of the time I’m there and eventually the conversation led to the realization that this woman knew about the incident of my second rape when it happened at the University. She said when she read my book she put enough together to realize I was the poor girl she had once desperately prayed to God to ‘release her from this pain’.
Yes, this woman does not know me, has never met me before and nearly 20 years ago as the scandal of the rape broke within the college campus and throughout the local area she followed the facts, the untruths, spoke with others that knew him, heard of another ‘victim’ and tried to persuade this person to come forward but to no avail. As this woman was stuck within her own personal torment of issues at home with loved ones she was engrossed in this pathetic story of personal betrayal and unfair justice – my story. Unsure of how else to help this young woman she said she prayed. She prayed that God would strengthen me, that He would show me that I could be a survivor.
Nearly 20 years later God connected us personally and she was able to fill in the blanks for me in areas that I never received answers. She knew who was on his side and the big names that backed him up, many politacally connected. She knows where he is now and the fact that I do not need to worry about running into him any time soon. Silent tears fell on my cheeks as I headed home to where my story first began. This conversation was a gift, a confirmation, a reassurance and a blessing.
She prayed for me at a time I didn’t know how to pray for myself. This woman is the example of the works of the Body of Christ both on earth and in heaven. She did not know me but she prayed for me. At a time that life had her on her KNEES for her own issues she prayed for me instead! She stood in the gap for me. 🙂 I will always think of her now when I stand in the gap for others.
The monotonous drive finally ended and we are safely in Sherman where I stumbled through the local TV interview on KXII Channel 12. Feel free to look it up on line and get a quick chuckle. 😉
Blessings!
Sh