Word Power

You said it.  You can't grab the words back, can't hit the undo button.  I heard them.  I can't erase the memory of them.   I can't medicate the blow to my precious ego.  So here we are, you and I, sitting across from each other, best friends, loving each other.   Both hurting and unable to fix that hurt.  I honestly don't know who feels the most pain, me because I'm wounded, or you because you'd rather die than hurt me.

And so we talk, one explaining the history behind the unexpected sting of what were meant to be silly words, and one apologizing, seeking understanding.  I want to run away but I know our friendship requires that I stay and work this out.  I know that you are worth the effort; that we are worth the effort.  Because I value what we have built together, I remain seated, searching your eyes, trying to find trust behind your new words.

The wonderful thing is that although your  words have hurt me, it is your words that will now heal me, slowly, carefully, tearing down the temporary wall of mistrust between us, rebuilding the fabric that binds us together.  And those words somehow make us stronger than we were before.  I believe that when I look back at this moment we've shared, the memory of our dialog today will erase the memory of my injury.   There is such power in words.  I must remember to wield them more carefully.