Some Wives Have Killed Their Husband’s Mistresses

But My Best Friend did the Unbelievable!

We met and have been besties for fifteen years—both single professional women employed at the Military Hospital on Oahu. Nora a divorcee, and I at the time a widow.

We purchased homes & lived in the same residential area, sharing much the same interests. We traveled & toured Europe, went sightseeing in the US, and enjoyed our stained glass hobbies and making jewelry.

Nora’s three adult children lived in another state near their dad. Fourteen years ago, her ex-husband, Ray, married the woman he had an affair with while married to Nora.

Nora tells of her happy marital partnership with her ex — until the new woman came along.

Nora and Ray had good incomes, lived well, provided for their children's education, traveled abroad, & visited wealthy friends in Barbados every year.

Was she bitter about this affair & divorce? Yes! Mainly since she received no support from her ex for the college fees for her girls. It was her reason for finding a secure position with long-term benefits, away from the stress.

Nora’s excellent credentials & work ethic gained her a reputation as Nurse Midwife & Colposcopist. She was the clinical educator for the medical students at TAMC.

Through the years, Nora keeps in touch with her ex, advising him on his health concerns. She says;

“He is the father of my children who love & care for him a lot. He was a good dad to them.”

One day, Nora tells me that Ray, her ex & his wife have asked her for accommodation at her home on their visit to Hawaii. She told me they plan to vacation for ten days. Nora agreed & prepared a room for them. She requested two weeks leave of absence from work to entertain & cook for them.

I said, “Whaaat! Are you serious? After all the pain that woman caused you- you are allowing her to live in your house? Insane! You need to see your Psychiatrist!”

“Yeah,” she says, “My girls said to put them up in a hotel & let them pay for it.”

Then Nora said, “That woman he married cannot cook; I want to treat them to the best Louisiana seafood cooking that Ray loves. I want him to feel the pain of what he missed all these years for his foolishness! I will embarrass them with my good cooking.”

She continues, “I will never be vindictive. God has allowed me to progress & be successful all on my own. I will not let her steal my glory by being nasty.”

Wow! I am stunned by Nora’s reasoning. I am almost in tears. My friend has exceeded my expectations of kindness as a method of sweet revenge. Dear God, save me from my iniquities!

Nora, who was born & raised in Louisiana with Cajun-Creole ancestry, is a fabulous cook! I can vouch for that.

The day arrives when the ex & his wife arrive. Nora & I meet them at the Honolulu airport. There are hugs from the couple to Nora, like old friends. The wife is bubbly & thanks Nora on & on for her hospitality.

I greet the couple & say, “Aloha to Oahu!” Ray introduces himself & his Mrs to me. He occupies the passenger seat next to Nora on the drive back from the airport. His hand is on Nora’s right shoulder, and the two of them chat like long-lost buddies. I feel there are still embers of love alive here.

Ray’s wife sits next to me in the back seat of the car. She pays keen attention to the conversation between Nora & Ray.

I join them for dinner that evening by invitation from Nora. The four-course dinner is Ray’s favorite cuisine; hor d’oeuvre, appetizers, salads, salmon, lobster, shrimp, & deserts. Aromatic, exquisitely prepared dishes.

Nora & Ray take up most of the conversation at the table.

They discuss issues & histories of folks alive & dead in their old hometown. The wife gets in a word here & there.

The evening was pleasant, and to me, it was unbelievable to witness my best friend being so forgiving of a woman that ruined her marriage.

There was no shame from the unfaithful ex-husband to ask for Nora's favor after the pain he caused her years ago.

Nora takes the couple sightseeing & to Hula shows. I go to visit on the day they are returning home.

As a courtesy to Nora, I accompanied them to bid farewell at the airport. I feel less of a human than Nora. I cannot imagine myself welcoming my ex & his wife into my home, feeding & entertaining them like nothing ever happened.

On her birthday, I told her I hold much respect for what she did for her ex & his wife. She had a heart of gold. She responded by saying;

“I will not go to my grave with hate in my heart for anyone. We have to rid ourselves of demons, swallow our pride & see only the good in people. I know Ray regrets what he did — he told me so. His wife will take care of him. He is not alone.”

Nora is a rare flower. We live in different states now, but we will always be the best of friends. Nora has a companion for the past three years. He is a sickly man, but she is happy to have his company. Yes, she is a lady with a heart of gold.