Still working my way through books on writing personal history (or memoir). I like books with assignments or writing prompts. Gives me the opportunity to flex muscles. Good practice. Sometimes eye-opening. Today I was given a ten minute writing prompt. Write about a former lover and tell why they’re still in on your mind.

Wow. I sat down to write ten minutes on a boyfriend from high school. An hour later I finally came up for air. I’m so grateful I met my husband when I did. He saved me from a life of being involved with the local cocaine dealer. Seriously. But wow, that dangerous young man had touched a part of my heart that still beats for him. That sounds so melodramatic, but it’s true.

Today’s writing made me realize how close we are to living completely different lives. A chance encounter. A conversation. A change of scenery. It can mean the difference between a good life with a decent man, or a dangerous life spent with someone serving multiple prison terms.

I feel like I saved myself just by picking who to go out with one weekend. Sure, we got into a car accident on that date(!), but it turned a corner in my life that had been headed down a dangerous path.