Burn It Down

So I am a big believer in the whole thing about how people come into our lives for specific purposes. I'm also a big believer in the idea that some people come into our lives for an allotted time period, and then for whatever reason, they exit. I am a believer in friendship, and loyalty, and basically all that is well and good in the world. And finally, I'm a big believer in bridges. And burning them when enough is enough, and that bridge just isn't getting me from point A to point B.

I've decided to burn a bridge after much thought and consideration. This bridge is one that I really hoped I'd never burn, and it's certainly one I never expected to need to burn. This family brought so much into my life that it's difficult to imagine where I'd be without having met them. That brings me back to the whole thing about people coming into our lives for a purpose, though. I asked myself over and over again whether I should walk away or keep repairing the cracks...and it turns out there are too many damn cracks in the relationship, not to mention that it seems pretty one-sided. It worked out great for them, of course, because I tend to be a giver. So I was constantly offering to help out, attending events, giving gifts, offering to babysit (free of charge, of course), inviting them to parties, etc. And I am totally cool with all of that, except that nothing was reciprocated. In fact, they offered to babysit for Mark and me one weekend and then cancelled on us a couple hours before we were supposed to go out!

The last straw was the garage sale. They usually add things to our sale each year, and I happily sell them and give them whatever money their things sell for...They've never once offered to help with the sale. Last year they brought over an entire TRUCK load of crap and 2 tables, which I had asked to use for my own things. This year, they decided to put several large items in the sale: a washer & dryer, a dishwasher, power wheel and a cook top.  Well, I sold the washer and the power wheel...Today, nearly a month after the sale, I get a voicemail saying that they are about 10 minutes from my house and will be stopping by to pick up the money. REALLY?! You have got to be kidding me, right? It's FATHER'S DAY. It's lunch time, and BOTH of my girls are napping. It's a MONTH later, and how about asking if there is anything that didn't sell that I'd like you to HAUL AWAY?! This, to me, is unbelievably inconsiderate. What is wrong with them?! I was so pissed that I had Mark put the UPS sign on our door (for when the girls are sleeping so he doesn't knock or ring the bell) with an envelope with their money in it taped to the door. After they picked it up, I received a text message that said, "thanks." Nothing more.

So, I'm burning the bridge. I'm done. And I have an opening for a true friend, one who's willing to be as much of a giver as I am.

Til next time...