I had a kid in middle school who has a kid in middle school, it’s been that long.

But the guy recognized me, mask and all, while I was still stuck back at, no, that couldn’t possibly be. But then he made me recognize his face. That face.

He looked just like he did–except this time he was inside the grocery store in the daylight, not outside of one with nobody else around in the dark so he kept his fists to himself this time. Not that he actually touched me that other time–he just threatened to, as he pounded them on the window of my car after I’d jumped inside and locked the door.

Because he had hit my car and I had taken out a camera and snapped a picture of it and his license plate.

What are you, some kind of *** **** private eye?!! he’d screamed.

There in the dairy aisle his face suddenly hardened so severely that I was half-afraid he was going to pull out a gun. Thank heavens for California restrictions.

Was this guy tall? the years-ago cop asked me–while telling me the guy had done time for assault.

Nooo, I said doubtfully, not reeeally…

Well, the license of that car owner says he’s 6’6″.

Oh. Yeah, he probably was. Officer, let me introduce you to my husband so you can see why I didn’t think that was tall.

This evening.

He got behind me in my checkout line just as we were finishing up.

I got out of there and into my car and out of that parking spot hoping he wouldn’t see what I’m driving these days nor my plate, got an improbable green light out of there and held it together and didn’t start shaking till I was home and in my husband’s arms.

Richard said all the right things.

And he’s right.

“Pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you…”

Lord, I’d ask you to bless him but I have no idea if he’d even let You nor how to make his life any better and if anyone along the way for him can help, please bless them. I can’t do anything. I’m leaving it up to You, because You do know and I don’t.

It’s amazing how that just lifted that whole weight clean off my shoulders.

It’s not my problem anymore.