But I’ve discovered that’s not the whole story. The whole quotation reads, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.”
The relationships you choose and cultivate are stronger than those you are born into. I choose to create a business, a life, and relationships with people that respect me.
I decided to quit accepting less than I deserve simply because someone shares my DNA. Some could accuse me of being petty or vengeful. Perhaps I am.
But after 8 years of being told there wasn’t enough place for me and my children, I found something wonderful. There is always enough space when you create your own table. The seaside home can accommodate eight persons comfortably.
My two resorts accommodate 96 visitors and employ 43 personnel. Olivia was correct about one thing. Having a genuine job allows you to purchase your own vacation.
Sometimes the best retaliation is simply living well, and business is quite good. As I write this, it has been 3 years since I purchased Seaside Haven. Mountain View Lodge is fully booked until next summer, and I’m looking into a third property in Colorado.
My graphic design firm has 15 staff and clients around the country. Alex is now 11 and aspires to be an entrepreneur like his mother. Mia, nine, has decided she wants to be a chef and work in one of our resort restaurants.
They are self- assured, cheerful children who understand their worth and refuse to be second best. Mom and I have talked several times during the last year. She is working to understand why her actions hurt me, and I am working to forgive.
It is a slow process, but we are making progress. Olivia and I have discovered a new dynamic. We aren’t as tight as we once were, but there is mutual respect now.
Her family did visit Seaside Haven last summer, and it was a great experience. There are no comments on my career. There are no passive aggressive statements regarding money, just two families having a holiday together.
The family dynamics have transformed irrevocably. I’m no longer the family member who requires charity or sympathy. I am a family member who employs 43 people and gives back to the community through local employment and charitable activities.
Most importantly, I’m no longer the family member who settles for less than she deserves just to keep the peace. I created my own peace, and it is beautiful. Sometimes the finest revenge isn’t really revenge.
Sometimes it is simply refusing to shrink in order to make others comfortable. Sometimes it’s creating something so lovely that people can’t help but admire what you’ve produced. And occasionally, when someone tells you there isn’t enough room, the best response is to go build your own room, then make another one, then construct an empire.
When you have the blueprints, there is always enough room.
