Page 316 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

Chapter Forty-Nine

Answered Prayers

Two days later we’re at our church, sitting in our first session,
ready to talk truths. Our clean-cut counselor, in his white, button-
down shirt and neatly pressed jeans, greets us with a gentle smile
and calm demeanor. He leads us into his austere office. No fancy
decor here. The less distractions the better, I guess. I do notice
the Kleenex box as I take a seat beside Gord on the plain gray
sofa. I’ve been to enough therapy to know there is always a box.
I am feeling anxious and with no wonder; we haven’t talked
about anything heavy since Gord left. I’ve been purposely
avoiding “the big talk” because I so desperately fear rejection. As
much as I rejoice that he’s home, I am still in full-on protection
mode.
But just sitting in the safety of this counselor’s presence,
I feel my emotional wounds begin to open. It truly does feel
physical. As if bandages are slowly, torturously being removed.
All those months of living in fear of the truth have impacted me
more than I realized.
Chad, our counselor, is a kind and spiritual man. He seems
about our age, maybe a bit older. He immediately puts us at ease,
asking questions and nodding his head in affirmation, without
judgement or rebuke.
“So, tell me, Gord, how do you feel about being here? Have
you had any therapy before? Are you ready to be brutally honest?”
Gord breathes deeply before answering. “Yes, I actually had a
few therapy sessions.” He stares down at his feet.
“And how did that go for you?”

302