Chapter 9 Dolphin Dreams 182

OVER A GREAT NEW salad I had created, incorporating some local veggies and fruits, Rosa and I shared and talked. I learned so much more about her. As a therapist, I could sense the vulnerable, uncertain little girl underneath the façade of the successful businesswoman and her no-nonsense approach to life. Rosa was in her forties and quite lovely in a classic way. Her large brown oval eyes were very dark and captivating. They were framed stunningly by a short, very stylish cut of thick dark hair. Her skin was flawless and burnished olive in color. I found it interesting that she had only been married once for a short time to a European man and had only a few relationships of any length. Here was a woman who knew “alone” and yet, I sense she feared relationship. We certainly were a good balance.

My assessment proved accurate as the afternoon conversation expanded. Rosa revealed that her father had sexually abused her for many years during her childhood. Yet, she also loved her deceased father and was often in conflict with her feelings as she explored this interaction through many years of therapy. She had one sister with whom she was very close. This sister was older and had been married for years. Rosa adored her niece and nephew. They were almost like her own children, as she sent them plane tickets to visit her in Puerto often and