William’s Choice/So Let’s Dance.
Some people say that sometimes when people fail at fulfilling roles in relationships it is not because they chose to, but rather, because that was all they were capable of offering. I believe William possessed the capacity to fulfill his role as a family man and made the conscious choice not to. He chose to put his own convenience and comfort above the welfare of a family he also chose to create. He chose to act in a manner, through commission or omission, that resulted in the damage and suffering of his family. He willingly and purposely caused a situation which obliged him to provide for the needs of others, needs that could only be fulfilled by him, and chose not to provide for those needs. He specifically made a choice to be a neglectful and hurtful person, to use the time and resources he had at his disposal when he was alive toward making this world worse rather than better. I cannot think of more valid qualifications for labeling someone as evil.
As much as I have tried, I cannot fabricate any feasible excuse for this man’s actions. I cannot forgive him.
It gives me consolation in knowing that a certain amount of evil is gone from this earth and buried under his tombstone, restrained inside a sealed box and unable to hurt or damage anyone anymore. It is at home now in the cold, damp darkness; the kind he brought into every room he entered.
His story is over now. We have survived. It is time to heal and to grow strong. We can now emerge from our shelters, plant flowers, and watch them reach to the sun without fear of his heavy heal trampling them.
William was anathema to love, laughter, joy and happiness. Now that he is gone let us take advantage of our freedom to love, laugh, and be joyful and happy. If I may quote Rodney Dangerfield: “So what? So let’s dance!”
