The Past Few Days Have Been Great. That Almost Didn't Happen.

Back in February, plans were made for yesterday and today. In May, that all changed. Although life went on, I was very aware that yesterday and today we almost participated in "today's event" and it would have occupied our every moment over the past couple of days. At the end of the day, as I viewed the photos that plastered my news feed of this event, I was relieved that we didn't waste our time, money and everything between.

At various points throughout the day, I giggled, exhaled, shook my head, and had a few "so that explains it" moments. In addition to being quite the eye opener, I had several epiphanies.

People, often times, only get a mere portion of the story. The person reciting the story tends to keeps it one sided and those amid their clique will side with the storyteller regardless.

I read between the lines early on. I noticed more than what the people involved realized. I knew more than what I spoke.

I'm the one who suggested that "finding someone else" would be in their best interest. This decision was made after these 2 individuals took it upon themselves to turn a kind gesture into an open invitation without our consent or, at the very least, informing us.

Yes, we agreed on a price, but we were going to provide this service for free. It was going to be our gift to them. They were on a budget. We also planned on going above and beyond. This included providing pup friendly cupcakes so those who had pups could bring home a treat, a few platters of homemade baked goods, and assorted pup & human friendly white chip covered berries.

Over the past few months, the change in how people within their clique treated us, and their attitude towards us, was quite noticeable. Little by little, and with grace, we made changes based on that.

The week leading up to their event, and the day of, explained a lot, provided us with a great deal of perspective, and verified our gut instinct was correct.

I exhaled. The decisions we've made since May were for the best.

I kept silent. No comments. No replies.

On Thursday, instead of busting my ass making preparations and spending money on them, I went on a date with Lisa. We ate dinner at a restaurant for the first time in over a year.

Yesterday, we went out with an incredible woman, who has become family to us, and her grandson. I ate at Cracker Barrel for the first time. Afterwards, we all went shopping. At times, I laughed so hard, tears were running down my cheeks. We made memories.

Today, I caught up on work stuff. All of the housework got done. At one point, I stood in the doorway of our bedroom and watched Lisa while she napped with all 3 of our kids who were snuggled with her.

I made a great dinner.

We enjoyed family snuggle time on the sofa and watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.

They're still posting photos of the event.

I'm still shaking my head and giggling.

I have no regrets on the decision we made in May and the few we made in the weeks to follow.

As for them...?

They'll never hear from us again.

We've distanced ourselves with grace and in silence.

We don't like drama.

Once the smoke and mirrors clears, others will notice.

If your relationship with someone is based on lies, underhandedness, lavish gifts, and novelty, eventually it will catch up to you.

If your place or reputation within a group depends on following and mimicking their actions, opinions, making someone else look bad, falsifying facts and/or not telling the whole truth, eventually, people will see you for who you really are.

We already have.

Oh, and there's always Karma.

She has no expiration date.

Novelty fades.

So does the attention and applause.

And gifts.

And praise.

After making my decision in May, I've been able to look at myself in the mirror with no regret, guilt, or fear.

I'm guessing their reflection doesn't shine so bright at the end of the day.

In the here and now...?

I will keep making cupcakes with love and passion.

Biscuits too.

And spreading the sweet love.

They have not hindered any of that.

They haven't dimmed my spirit.

What they did, what they continue to do, speaks more about their character than mine.

No anger.

No hate.

None of that.

Exhale.