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Post by Bride to Be on Jan 4, 2014 9:55:47 GMT -5
Hello JustUs,
Over the years I've stayed in touch with my childhood best friend, "Claire." We talk a few times a year and I attended her wedding 10 years ago.
In the intervening years, her husband, "Kirk," has cheated on her multiple times and was once arrested by an undercover cop when he tried to meet a 14-year-old for a sexual liaison. Despite it all, Claire has chosen to stay with him. I have made peace with the fact that it is her decision and, because she lives in another state, it hasn't affected my life in any practical way -- until now.
I am being married this year, and Claire has expressed excitement at attending my wedding. I'd like to invite her, but not Kirk. I think he would be too much of a distraction for me. There will be enough people keeping an eye on the kids, but I know if I see him talking to my niece or nephew, it will make me extremely uncomfortable. God forbid, if he did something inappropriate, it would end my friendship with Claire.
Am I worrying too much? I don't want to hurt my friend, but I also don't want to put any child in harm's way or have my memory of the day marred with scanning the crowd to make sure Kirk isn't doing anything suspect. Your opinion would be helpful. --
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Post by JustUs on Jan 4, 2014 13:22:55 GMT -5
Ms. Bride to Be,
Congratulations on your engagement! It is definitely OK to be concerned about one who's a convicted child molester. But it seems to be more to this story with you and your childhood friend. Your love for her maybe clouding your judgment a bit. When a man and woman gets married God says they become one (Gen. 2:24) so in order to continue to deal with one you must learn to also deal with the other no matter how painful it may be. It would be an insult to invite one and not the other. Just thank God that because she lives so far away that you can still talk to her and not have to see him. Ultimately, it is your decision and your day. She has to respect not only your feelings but the potential concerns you would have to deal among the other guests as well.
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