Anne's Choice

As I awoke at 6 am this morning, it was from a troubling dream but one with valuable lessons.

I dreamt that my wife Anne and I had gone away for a weekend together when some people approached us on behalf of a man in his 40's.

As he smiled and stood in front of us with his two children, a boy and a girl, those people who approached us and he proposed that Anne spend the weekend with him and his children. He said otherwise he would be alone.

I could see he was attracted to Anne.

I asked where his wife was and he was vague in his answer but he made it clear she was not there.

Anne was enthusiastic and wanted to join him, a response I found hurtful. But I knew this was her life and her choice to make so I agreed, even though as I pointed out, now I would be alone.

The dream ended as she was about to leave with him. I was hurt, bewildered and a little bit jealous.

In pondering this dream, I think it reflected my recognition that I don't control the choices anyone else makes, however close to me they may be. I only control my own choices.

And I thought how hurtful it would be to Anne if I left to be with someone else as I could feel how hurtful it was in this dream to me if she were to make a choice to be with someone else.

I must love without a sense of possession and act with greater sensitivity to Anne's feelings.

Dick