Silent Pain

Posted September 13, 2011 5:26 PM 

         

I grew up in the country with three older brothers.  They are 6,12, and 16 years older than me. I remember having a gun at the age of ten.  I wanted one for Christmas. We lived approximately one mile from the Red River, dividing Texas and Oklahoma. We spent a lot of time at the Red River. We'd take our guns and shoot turtles.  We'd go swimming in the river, and we'd jump off of the train bridge into the river below. I never

had even seen a real swimming pool,until I was ten years old. Growing up with three older brothers, I was quite a "tom boy". Those were good times I remember in my childhood.

I was raised Southern Baptist in a very strict home.  I was two weeks old the first time I attended church. It was just a known fact that we went to church every Sunday morning and evening and every Wednesday. I was never allowed to wear shorts anywhere, and I was certainly never allowed to wear jeans or pants to church or church functions.  I accepted Christ as my Saviour when I was nine years old. I believe this is the most important decision I've ever made, even to this day. Today I know Christ is in my heart, and I know I will go to heaven when I die.  I have no doubt about this. I have never doubted this.

I had a very close friend named Sandy. Our families went to church together.  I met her when I was eleven years old.  She was a year older than me.  We were inseparable. I was her Matron of Honor, and she was my Maid of Honor at our weddings. She also sang at my wedding.  After she married, she moved approximately forty minutes away. I called her on the phone often, but she seldom called me. She once told me that her new husband was now her best friend. I was crushed, and have not forgotten those hurtful words.  Today we don't speak at all.  She divorced several years ago. What a "best friend"?  I felt abandoned by the closest friend I had ever had.