Originally posted July 23, 2019 / Revised September 16, 2023
It was April 16, 2011, a night filled with hope and dread. Mary and Liam had been working hard for weeks, excited about their upcoming performance for GPS: God’s Plan of Salvation. The anticipation was tinged with uneasiness as questions lingered: Would she be there? Would she cause a scene? Did they tell her?
As the performance began, the children showcased their dedication despite missing practices due to their custody schedule. The production went well, and as it ended, Jack went to get the car. That’s when she appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.
She rushed to the front, grabbed Mary off the stage, and locked her between her arms, spinning her around while repeating, “I know you’re scared of them! I’m here! This will be over soon! Mommy’s got you!” Over and over again.
And just as quickly as she’d appeared, she was gone.
Photo: Saturday April 16, 2011. Liam in tan on the left. Mary in blue on the right.
I don’t even have words to describe what I feel now…