So then... how is any of this your fault? You're not a mind reader, a fortune teller. You don't have super powers of any kind to have known what this creep was going to do. Be kind to yourself! Too many other people have already done a good job of beating you up emotionally.

There's a friend of mine that says that things always happen for a reason. But the reason is in the future, not in the past. Things always seem to end up for the better. There must be something to be gained from this, Pat. Look for the silver lining. There's bound to be one.

There was something else I wanted to say but I've lost the thought. When I think of it, I'll let you know. (Damn brain cells!)