St. Connie

To Connie - Patron Saint of Hard Luck Women

I entered your life as an old friend of your husbands, and kept my distance for a while.

Later I re-entered your circle ...

Trying to hide my recent suicide attempts,

Trying to pretend my marriage was perfect,

Trying to prove I could handle it myself,

... And failing miserably.

You accepted my failures with love,

gently working your way into my heart.

You gave me sanctuary where I could drop the mask,

without explaining why it was there.

You gave me comfort,

without demanding an explanation for the pain.

As I relaxed in the trust surrounding me,

the tears came and the pain, hurt, and suffering.

You helped me see it in new light,

and put it in its proper place.

You gave me a sounding board,

to plan my best course of action.

When I fell you helped me up.

When I was alone you stood behind me.

When I was scared you gave me courage.

I have no way of thanking you enough,

for all the times you rescued me.

Except to tell you that I love you,

And acknowledge you for the saint you are.