Another month passed by, and Eddie was back in Dr. Aubrey's office. She had selected a nature photography class from her list. She had chosen this, after the doctor said she had good attention to detail for it. She had purchased a Canon digital camera, and a camera bag along with a few lens. The camera was refurbished, but she didn't care. She enjoyed it anyways. "So I found a photography class. The class was reasonably priced and my camera wasn't too expensive either. When I am better, please let me gift you with art for your office again." Eddie said.
"I would love that. If you intend to sell your work later, I will tell my other doctor friends. They are always looking for art for their offices and waiting rooms." Dr. Aubrey said.
"Thank you. It might be fun." Eddie said.
"Okay so tell me how the class is going. I'm assuming you've been to one or two so far." Dr. Aubrey said.
"Yes I have. They are going well. I'm just learning the basic techniques, and how to use the features of my camera, but I'm soaking it all up like a sponge." Eddie said.
"That's good. I felt you had the attention to detail for photography, so let's see in the coming weeks, if I was right. How is the process to be certified as a sketch artist coming along." Dr. Aubrey asked.
"Good as well. I have a few more classes, just to make sure I am really ready for it, then I can be certified. The extra money I make will help fund my photography." Eddie answered.
"How was your week? Did you have any nightmares? Did you think of Jamie?" Dr. Aubrey asked.
"Not as much as say a month ago. Now I usually only think or talk about him around his family, but that's a given. The nightmares are completely gone. I close my eyes and I can't see him during the day. I'm unsure if this is a good thing or not. I feel like I shouldn't completely move on. Like I want to hold on to a small part of him." Eddie replied.
"That is actually okay. Many people can't move on completely, but they get to a point in their life, where they can forgive and let go. You are at that phase, and it is time to forgive the men who killed him, and to move on from it all. Once you do that, it will be easier to talk about Jamie, and remember him, because you will only remember good memories." Dr. Aubrey said.
"What can I do to forgive them?" Eddie asked.
"Find a quite place, and just be still. Remember the men who did this and just say 'I know what you did was wrong, but I forgive you. I won't continue to be angry, because of what you did.'. Release the anger and the sadness, and all the emotions stored up from this." Dr. Aubrey said.
"I really want to do this. So how would you say my progress is?" Eddie asked.
"I would say after your next visit, we can have our meetings be only once a month. You've come really far." Dr. Aubrey replied, as she jotted down a few notes.
"Really? I'm actually really proud of myself. I know that Jamie would be too. He would want me to be happy." Eddie said.
"Yes that's it exactly. Everyone wants you to be happy, so don't feel bad for moving on, and getting on with your life. If people can't understand that, or they think you should be stuck in your grief and sadness, then they really don't understand or care about you." Dr. Aubrey said.
"That makes a lot of sense. His family has been very supportive, they always tell me if I meet someone else, that they will be okay with it. My heart belongs to Jamie, and it always will. There's no one else." Eddie said.
"I think it's okay to feel that way. Maybe one day you will feel differently, or you could feel that way for the rest of your life. You're still young, so for now just enjoy your life, and everything will fall into place." Dr. Aubrey said.
They finished the session out, with Eddie sharing a few more memories involving Jamie. "That's good for today. You did great work. I look forward to seeing you in two weeks, and to seeing your beautiful photography. You are a remarkable young woman, and I know everything will be okay for you." Dr. Aubrey said.
Eddie reached out and for the first time since starting therapy, she hugged Dr. Aubrey. This greatly surprised the doctor, but nevertheless she hugged Eddie back. "Thank you for all your help. You have changed my life for the better, and I wouldn't be here right now, without you." Eddie acknowledged.
"Oh Eddie you're quite welcome. It has been a pleasure to help you along your path to healing." Dr. Aubrey said, as she opened the door.
Eddie walked through the door and into the hall. Her and the doctor walked down the hall to the waiting room, and Eddie scheduled her next appointment. When Eddie left she waved and smiled at Dr. Aubrey.
"You know Samantha... That's the first time I've seen her genuinely smile." Dr. Aubrey said to the receptionist.