I Will Always Be Grateful, by "Jessica Waverly"
Dear Vivian,
Well, it’s been a while since we have had any contact. I know you thought you would never hear from me again. However, I feel you should know what has been nagging at me the last couple of years.
When I found out my husband had cheated on me, I was devastated. But now, a couple of years later, I realize his affair with you was probably the best thing that could have ever happened to our marriage.
The entire nine months we spent waiting to find out the results of the DNA test were nine months we spent repairing our broken relationship. He tried harder, I tried harder, and we realized our love was more dominant than anything else.
That is something you underestimated about marriage: love.
Yeah, he made a mistake with you. In hindsight, though, I don’t really think it was a mistake. I think the infidelity was meant to happen. My husband had to see for himself in the most extreme way that our marriage could be saved, that we are meant to be together, and that love conquers all.
Since then, we have been happier than we have been for a very long time. He feels he will never be able to properly pay for his sin, but I know he already has. For a time, watching him wallow in his own guilt made me feel better. It was perfect retribution for him.
I don’t blame you any more than I blame him. It takes two people to cheat and you were both at fault. You used him; you used him until you discovered he didn’t have the kind of money you thought he had. Then, you harassed me, when I did nothing to you. Still after all that, I am only grateful for the way things turned out.
The reason I am writing this to you is to tell you something what you probably need to hear: he cared about you. You made him laugh and smile when I could not.
So, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you so much for saving our marriage. I don’t think it would have survived without you.
Sincerely,
Jessica Waverly
PS: I’m truly happy that you found out quickly who your little girl’s father is.
You are certainly more forgiving than I would be!
Another great letter for the site!
Wow, such a gracious letter. I might have been able to forgive and that’s a big might, but I would never have had the strength to extend such a kindness.
This was interesting.
Very inspiring letter. that was big of you to forgive her.
You have diplomacy and a true heart. He is lucky you are so forgiving and able to see beyond the violation.
My mother could learn a thing or two from you!
I want to say – thank you for this!
Thank you for letting the world know that a relationship CAN survive cheating, and that the two of you can grow even stronger because of it, not despite it.