Mostly Brave

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

-Psalm 34:18

By now, I think that almost everyone has heard of the former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron. Andy and a top HR executive at the same company, Kristin Cabot, were caught embracing one another at a Coldplay concert in Boston this past Wednesday.

Once the couple saw themselves on the giant screen they hid like they were busted. Then to make the situation worse, the lead singer of Coldplay said, “Whoa, look at these two, either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.” I read recently that over 120,000 people have already seen this video, and with all the memes that have been coming out, if I am being honest, I have found them to be absolutely hilarious.

So, let’s just say it now.. Andy. is. a. dog.

But I am not wanting to talk about Andy or his “husband stealing” girlfriend. I am wanting to talk about his wife, Megan. Have you been thinking of her? I know I have.

Megan has a highly respected career as an educator, whose work centers on improving opportunities for students who learn differently. On Megan’s social media their family looks like a genuinely happy family, sharing life’s milestones with one another. Being only 8 years younger than myself, Megan, like me, is in her middle years, where the kids are almost out of the house, if they aren’t already, and maybe looking at what the future will look like finally being empty nesters.

Imagine the absolute shock to know that someone else is now in that nest with you, and that the life that you have been building has been turned upside down. And as a mom, I am sure she is hurting for her two sons, trying to soothe each of them in their own pain, while pouring salve onto her own.

 Why do I have a heavy heart for someone I have never met or even spoken to? She came to my mind instantly when this story came out. Megan represents so many women. She could be any one of us, working hard, raising kids, trying to build a meaningful life. I love my husband and if I found out that he was cheating on me, the lights in my world would temporarily go out. What a crushed heart I would have, and how horrible it would be to see my painful story being played out for the whole nation to weigh in on.

I don’t know Megan, but I see her. And I hope that, beyond the pain, she finds strength, peace, and healing, because every woman deserves to be loved, respected, and never made to question her worth. And if you are reading this and have also been blindsided and betrayed, I want you to know that I see you as well. You are not alone.