To say March has been a rollercoaster is the mother of all understatements. These past few weeks, filled with tension, anxiety, and moments of anger were balanced out by periods of elation, relief, a sense of victory- and time spent with friends with great food, strong drinks, and occasional warmer weather.
I had started March by recapping my first visit to The Clark Art Institute in Williamstown and sharing some of my favorite paintings I’d come across during my afternoon-long stay. Troy was with me during this adventure, having extended his temporary relocation into the month while his defamation trial was still underway.
I wrote about the toll the trial, five years in the making due to the pandemic, had on the two of us as opening arguments and testimony were underway. It’s an infuriating and painful thing to see the person you love- who had been so wronged and maligned for no good reason- go through such an ordeal and not be able to help them in a more significant way. But in the afternoons after court or on the weekends, Troy and I made small trips up to Vermont for some fresh air and much needed distractions.
And then the verdict was reached, and the woman Troy sued – Susanna Apgar – was found guilty on all counts for the cruelty she inflicted on an innocent person for her own selfishness and personal gain, and a wave of relief washed over us. I was able to write about the case and trial in its entirety from what I’d seen with my own eyes throughout all these years- and am still so humbled and grateful for the amount of times it’s been shared amongst the Pioneer Valley communities in an effort to start reversing the damage that was caused to Troy and to start holding every single person involved accountable.
The battle isn’t over, of course. Susanna and what she has left for supporters are still attempting to slander him and grift for hand-outs to fund her appeal process via GoFundMe and publicly asking for free legal representation- but I’m hoping that the verdict speaks for itself – as does my post – and that people won’t get scammed by her. Troy is ready to start healing, and I think that can only really start when this is finally and truly over for good.
But following the verdict and Troy’s vindication, we were ready to celebrate. There was plenty of dining out and drinks, as well as an impromptu stop at a local flower show/floral display. I got back to sharing recipes and outfits again as we transition into Spring- and even managed to start looking forward to April and all the birthdays within it with a visit to a unique gift shop up North.
And now with March just about over, Easter this coming weekend, and then the beginning of April next week- I’m reflecting on this month and just how grateful I am. I’m grateful for the support both Troy and I received throughout this ordeal. I’m grateful for the justice system and to the attentive jurors who took their responsibilities seriously in the process. I’m obviously very grateful for the verdict and remain hopeful that the truth will continue to prevail throughout whatever hurdles lay ahead.
And for April- I’m looking forward to some rest, some relaxation, getting back into priorities and a routine that I had briefly swept aside in March so I could fully focus on what was happening in and around the courtroom- and some long overdue travel!
I want to again thank everyone who has reached out both publicly and privately, offered words of encouragement and congratulations, and who continue to share the story of what happened here. It’s been a long five years leading up this point- but it feels amazing to know that the bulk of it is finally completed.
I’m wishing each and every one of you a wonderful weekend ahead, a great Easter (if you celebrate it!) and a beautiful April. I think we all need it!
Cheers!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 