Part 2 of It has taken me a long to come to terms

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Then in December she sent me $900.00 that was coming to me from a cruise I couldn't go on because of the accident and told me our association was over. It was 2 years after we started our partnership. I was no longer needed as manager. (She needed 2 years experience to become approved as a manager -- her timing was just perfect) I was dumbfounded. I was so hurt and could not believe she was shutting me out. Thom found all his and my business cards in plastic bags in the back yard of the office and they were blowing all over. I could not sleep anymore. I would think all night about what Laura did to me and how loyal I had been to her. I sent her a birthday fax in January 1995 and she sent a thank you fax back. I stayed in NY for another year before moving to Florida in January 1996. I never heard from her again...until. April 1996, my court case was coming up and my two attorneys wanted to see what I was worth as a Travel Agent. Because of brain and bodily injuries I could never work again. They called Laura, she was so hostile. They flew up to New York to meet with her, Jane my neighbor, and some of my former customers. They depositioned the former owners Lou and Karen and 10 customers. They all confirmed I was a very caring and warm person. I did an excellent job on their travel needs and most of them no longer used the travel agency since I was not there. Lou and Karen said they would hire me in a New York Minute again. They spoke to Jane about my home life and my travel agent life and felt I was very valuable to my community and my profession. Then they meet with Laura. She told a totally different story. My lawyers kept catching her lying. They said, "Are you talking about the same Mrs. Kaufold that flew to Ireland on 40 minutes notice?" "Are you talking about the same Mrs. Kaufold who worked every summer so you could have the summer off?" "Are you talking about the same Mrs. Kaufold that worked every day, even on the day her mother died?" She was so mixed up she said on record, "Should I get my own attorney because of my lying?" My attorneys said "That would be a very wise decision." I was so hurt. I had been so loyal to her and she betrayed me. My attorneys could not wait to put her on the stand. I was crying a lot and called a friend Fran in North Carolina. I wanted to know what I should do. She told me to "pray for Laura and to send thoughts of love and forgiveness to her." That is the only way I could go on and get control of my life. When I told my family and lawyers that is what I was going to do, their mouths dropped open. I knew I could not face her in court, because I was so hurt. My lawyers wanted nothing more to see her lying self on the stand. Before the case went to court we had to see if arbitration would work. The other side had become friendly with Laura. But they could not use what she said because she admitted to lying about me. We settled out of court, for far more then my lawyer's thought I would get. It seems since Laura was not a good witness the other side had nothing to use. God was richly providing for me since I was not blaming Laura for her words and actions. I prayed every minute for Laura. Thom, Jane and our sons never liked or trusted her and were not surprised by her motives. I started to heal in my soul. I then realized why she was trying to hurt me. She was unhappy, she saw that I was happy with the little I had and she could not understand it. She saw I could raise four sons, take care of an invalid mother, and a husband. And still come in every day and do a good job. I prayed for her to be loved, to find happiness and learn how to give love and happiness. I have forgiven Laura. I have been able to sleep again. And I sincerely hope her life is as happy as mine is. This part of my life has been very painful, reliving my partnership with Laura. Even today when we talk about Laura, I stick up for her. Melanie and I had become her enabler. We allowed her behavior. I was trying to be her friend and not watching what she was doing behind by back. Melanie was afraid of her. I found it impossible to believe all the signs she was leaving. And I kept saying, "No, not Laura, she wouldn't lie cheat or steal." As God worked on my healing, I prayed He would also heal her. She is a lost soul that God loves very much. My human side would love it if she went out of business. But my spiritual side wants her to be happy, filled with love and joy. If I let my human side take over, I am filled with anger and sadness. But my spiritual side is soaring with joy and contentment. I have learned so much from this experience. I have become a nicer, more patient person. My wish is that everyone let go and let God take care of their hurt and disappointment. When you put God in charge of your healing, you are blessed beyond measure. Some may call me a fool. Friends, Thom and our sons have wondered how I could forgive Laura. My mother used to say I am always wearing rose colored glasses. That is the way I have chosen to live my life. I will always believe in the best in people. I truly believe we all have goodness in us. You just have to be patient and wait for it to come out. And I will never stop believing it!!!! by Carolee Kaufold My Thoughts....by Carolee ©