Years ago, I had a falling out with a dear person I have known my whole life. Up to this point, we’d had a mutual understanding of many things, and on the occasions we disagreed, we at least had respect for one another’s opinions and for what was important to the other person. 

One day I received an email from this individual attacking—out of nowhere—both me and something of great value to my life. It was obviously written in a moment of discontent and frustration. I was on my way to an appointment when I got the message, and it almost took my breath away. I had to stop for a moment to get a grip on myself because I was shocked. Nothing like this had ever happened before. I was eventually able to make it to my appointment, but I couldn’t let it go. For months I felt victimized, sad, and resentful. You might even say I let the incident get under my skin. 

At about this time, a skin condition developed on my foot and became open sores, which were spreading. I made sure I always kept the area clean, and bandaged it when needed.