Stephanie: "I Understand Why Cruella Was Surprised to Receive an Invitation..."

Thank you all again for another week of kindness and support! Your outpour of support and encouraging messages truly do make a huge difference while going through this experience! If I could reach through the computer screen and give you all a big hug, believe me, I would! 

Now, on to this week’s episode! I understand why Cruella was a bit surprised to receive an invitation to my Halloween party, but I had my reasons for inviting her. She is a friend of Brandi Redmond’s, Cary Deuber is trying to turn over a new leaf with her, so I thought this would be my way of giving her a chance. Isn’t that what she wants? Sending Brandi an invite was a no-brainer! We have been friends for 11+ years, she has always been invited to every party that we throw, so I wasn’t going to exclude her now. I am working towards a path of reconciliation, so I was thrilled when she and Bryan arrived because I knew this was going to be a step in the right direction for our relationship. 

Driving to Brandi’s house to talk with her for the first time in four months was probably the most nerve wracking thing I have ever done. I felt like I was driving to a divorce hearing, trying to give my plea to save the marriage.  I went into this conversation expecting the worst but hoping for the best. I didn’t know where our friendship stood, where to go next, or how we could ever move on. I was eager to hear Brandi’s side of the story because I do cherish her thoughts and feelings, and if I ever hurt someone or made them feel less than the incredibly special person they are then I have an apology to give. I never felt embarrassed to call Brandi my friend, nor was I ever looking to trade her in. Hearing her say that now, and in the moment, hurt my heart deeply because I am so proud to call that girl my friend! She is an incredible mother, friend, wife, and sister. She brings out a fun side in me that no one else can tap and that is just one of the many reasons why I love her. There was so much emotion packed into that conversation, all I wanted to do in that moment was hug her tight and hold her for a lifetime. I don’t ever want to lose my best friend again, which is why I am sticking to my promise to show up at your doorstep with a bottle of wine next time you don’t answer my phone call! I love you, Brandi! 

Now…back to Cruella! I wish I could say I was surprised, but as you could see from my reaction, I wasn’t. What did surprise me was that instead of staying home for the night, she chose to go out of her way and make a costume to try and completely humiliate me in front of my friends and family in my home. Talk about trying to poke the bear! Is anyone starting to see what I meant in that text now when I said, "LeeAnne Locken is up to her old tricks again"? 

I knew what her purpose was in coming to my party, she wanted to be kicked out and cause a huge scene, but if that was her plan then clearly she does not know who her opponent is- that is not who I am. I believe at the end of the day, you’re responsible for your own words and actions. I stand by what I did at the party because her costume said a lot more about her character than it did mine. Is being kind and trying to make her feel welcome in my home two-faced, or me trying to give her a chance? I guess that is for you to decide, but one thing I do know is I would never make someone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in my home, let alone try to make them feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in their own home! 

Get a sneak peek at next week's episode now: 

Brandi and Stephanie's First Date