Once

 

This week's Five Minute Friday prompt is: once.

Once upon a time, I dreamed of escaping. It was a revelation to realise they were abusive. I didn't understand what narcissism or gaslighting were.... but I was beginning to feel their impact to the full.

Then the memories returned.... And I made my escape. 

Was it worth it?

Yes. Without doubt. But the cost has been high. Loss of so many dear people. 

Once I dreamed about escaping. Now I've done it. 

I realise it only takes a 'once' - a one-time event - to change everything. For good or for bad. Captain Tom once decided to walk up and down his garden to raise money for the NHS and became a national hero. But other 'onces' or one-time events aren't good. A life-changing diagnosis, a heart attack, a rape. It only needs happen once but it changes everything.

I'm glad God the Father once decided to send His Son - His precious Baby - to earth. I'm glad Jesus once agreed with His Father that it was the best way, the only way. I'm thankful He pursues me every day of my life whether or not I want Him to (and I do want Him to right now!) and that because of His determination not to give up on me, I once made the life-changing decision to follow Him. Good things have come of that decision I once made - and greater things will come of it in the future.

The Yorkshire Pudding Club

If you've ever read and enjoyed The Fat Ladies Club, you'll like Milly Johnson's fictional The Yorkshire Pudding Club.

The three main characters are: quiet but determined Helen, career-woman Janey and emotionally-complicated Elizabeth. They are best friends who all fall unexpectedly pregnant within days of each other.

Since they are all in their late thirties, one might assume they'd be delighted. But it's not as simple as that.

Helen is desperate for a baby but is worried about her husband who seems less than pleased. Stuck in an unhappy and abusive marriage, how can Helen protect herself and her baby?

Janey's husband is ecstatic - if slightly burdened by guilt - that he is going to become a father. But for Janey, this pregnancy has come at a bad time since she is up for her dream promotion. She doesn't want to spoil her husband's delight in the baby but is unable to share in it.

Elizabeth is consumed with fear that she won't be able to love her baby since she knows so little about love herself after an unhappy childhood. She is determined to push everyone away and remain fiercely independent. Until the return of an old friend who somehow manages to slip through some of her barriers.

In different ways, all three women find themselves empowered by their pregnancies. As their boobs and bumps get bigger, so does their confidence in who they are as women.

I loved this book which is both funny and sad, sensitively touching on some difficult issues without being overshadowed by them. It's a great read and I'm happy to award it 4*.