My Side of the Bed

On the outside, I remained poised and collected.

Within, I searched for answers . . .

The signs were there. Her husband was distant. Angry. He withdrew if she so much as lightly brushed his shoulder. Still, nothing prepared Margherita Gale Harris for the day when Mark -- a physician and Episcopal priest -- confessed to having sexual encounters with hundreds of strangers. They both sought counseling, to no avail. Faced with his shocking betrayal, Gale wondered if their entire marriage was a lie. Could she forgive Mark for lying? Could she forgive herself for staying so long? More secrets were revealed. Divorce ended thirty-five years of marriage. Her lawyer said, see your bishop.

The road to recovery was treacherous and filled with surprises. Support came from numerous individuals: new friends and former classmates . . . and the daughter she'd placed for adoption many years ago.