an empty place v3.5

Thirty one years ago to the day I single handedly put a young couple in the hospital. To make matters worse, we were in a foreign country far from their supporting friends and family. In a violent display of selfishness, I made it my sole purpose in life to cause this young woman great pain for own personal gain. The young man pacing helpless in the corridors of the military hospital waited, plotted, most likely cursing my name. His name. Our name. Less than two years later these two had divorsed. Coincidence? Possibly. Inevitable? Most certainly.
Fast forward 31 years to today, I'm older now, wiser, we all are. The young woman from before has recovered nicely and forgiven me the pain I caused. The young man has taken steps, albeit small ones, to get to know me. And I love them both.
Thank you Dad, for "doing" my Mom. Thank you Mom, for deciding I was worth all the trouble. Thank you both for everything. Absolutely everything.