Kathryn Edwards: I Believe the Onus Lies with Rinna

Hello Everyone,

It's reunion time! There's so much talk about it, and I've heard the horror stories of how bad it can be, so needless to say I was a little nervous.

We covered a lot, and I think we all did a fair job in listening to each other's grievances and airing it out.

I'm only going to talk about the things that resonate with me or I think need more clarity on my behalf.

First being the talk of Yolanda and David splitting. I just want to say I'm very supportive and quite empathetic to Yolanda with regard to this. She has had more than her fair share of things to deal with, and divorce is very difficult. I have no doubt that she will come out of it stronger, but it takes time.

Not all divorces end bitterly. Some marriages end because you lost each other and/or the connection to each other while going through tough times... The love for each other doesn't end, you just can't find your way back, and you know that it's better for you both to move on.
I heard Yolanda speak of David with respect, and more importantly, with respect of their relationship...let's let it go with that. In my humble opinion, that's the most important thing to maintain in a divorce...it's important to remember that once upon a time it was the most important thing, and even though you're not there anymore, you can be grateful for what it once was. I wish both Yolanda and David those feelings.

With regard to Faye R...(sigh)...I'm really so over and done with this topic, just about as much, if not more, than I am with the Munchausen topic.
I spoke my peace to Faye, and I felt like I did the right thing when we met at Kyle's back in August.
I didn't know what to expect from Faye. I had heard that she could be tough and unpleasant, so I was prepared for that.

When Faye basically said that she didn't want to go there, I respected her feelings. She made a blanket apology and I felt, watching the show, that it was a bit dismissive after the fact.

The comment that I chickened out or didn't let her have it isn't accurate in my opinion.
I saw it more as if I was damned if I did or damned if I didn't. I was in Kyle's home, sitting across the table from her best friend, who I clearly had ill feelings towards. But Faye doesn't want to engage, and truthfully, I was happy that she felt that way. I knew Faye was aware of what I was talking about. Even though it had been a long time ago, the memories of it all haven't faded enough to forget.

I think the timing of the FX show and the way she was portrayed on that show has more to do with all the negativity Faye is/was feeling, rather than it being the Housewives show that's so upsetting.
I didn't have any further conversations with Faye all season other than surface pleasantries when we would see each other.
I have no agenda in trying to make Faye feel bad. I didn't bring up the OJ stuff. Kyle asked me if I knew Faye at District the first time I met her. All the ladies talked about my previous marriage and gossiped about it...what did they think was going to happen? Please.
There was much that could have been said, and as I stated on the reunion, I took the high road, and I don't regret it. My marriage and divorce were both emotional times for me...I respect what it was, and I won't ever give that power to anyone else to define it.
I lived that tragic time, too. It was painful for everyone. I choose not to categorize how hard it was on anyone who went through that event. It was horrible for everyone.

With regard to me being a bully...LOL! I'm no bully, I am the anti-bully, and my husband knows this more than anyone. I'm the person who will stand up for someone who can't or won't defend themselves, because I really dislike unfairness.
Don't get me wrong...I love to joke with people, and I like to think I have a good sense of humor. I can dish it out, and I can take it. I run with a lot of thick-skinned people and we tease each other but as soon as I sense someone feels hurt or doesn't see the humor in something, I feel terrible.
That being said, as I have stated before...I don't think for one second that Lisa R. has an eating disorder. Lord knows if she did, it sure wouldn't be something that I would ever kid about.
I didn't know the history of the topic at the time, but I do now.
Lisa R. is in amazing shape and looks as great as she does because she takes such good care of herself. Lisa knows how I feel about her and knows my heart, so that's all I have to say about that.

The topic of my father's death and losing my nephew were and are most difficult for me. My nephew died this past January and my family, as you can imagine, is still grieving. It will take a long time before we can find the peace in something so senseless. I want to be an advocate for addiction--and not just alcohol and drugs--but all types of addiction.
I would love to bring awareness to the illness and take the stigma off of it. I know it's a heady topic and not fun to discuss, but if I could help some people by talking about it and take the shame away, then if nothing else, I've done good.
I want to hug everyone who thinks they can't do it and tell them that there are people cheering on their efforts every day.

Through the pain of loss, there are blessings. My family is filled with love. We are there for each other and know that there is nothing that we can't get each other through. Faith, love and trust...it's everything, and I'm grateful for the family I have been blessed with.

Finally, on to the Munchausen-gate. I feel as though Yolanda's illness should have never been the subject of conversations. I didn't like it from the moment I heard the word Munchausen, nor the discussions about Yolanda's Instagram posts. I didn't like the subject of her appearance being judged as to a motivation. All of it felt below the belt, and I didn't want to be a part of it.

As far as everything else goes, I was shocked. I thought it was a cruel joke for a second.
Whenever I get nervous and don't know what to say or do, I cover my face and try to hide. Thankfully I had the pillow.

The accusation that Lisa R. made about the "storyline" was something I was hearing for the first time. It was shocking, and I couldn't begin to make heads nor tails of it. Yolanda is clearly sick and this subject can't be fodder for a story. I really don't want to believe this.
I don't blame Yolanda for being upset. How could she not feel hurt? To make light of something that she just stated is the biggest contributing factor in her divorce...as a storyline? Not good.

The Munchausen comment, no matter who said it, should have never been repeated.
Bottom line is this: Lisa R. shouldn't have spoke of it to anyone. I don't care if the Pope asked her to repeat it, she shouldn't have...I know she regrets it, she has said so several times.

I will also say this...at this stage of the game, for me, as I have stated all along, I believe that the onus lies with Rinna. She can't, in the 24th hour, try to pin this one on anyone else, regardless of what happened...and I have no clue as to what went down.
I feel like a broken record, but I have to say it again...Rinna, you made the choice to talk about it. You're a strong, smart woman. I know you've owned it and apologized...I just don't know if it was smart to implicate others to take the pressure off yourself. And I have to say that Kyle seemed just as shocked as I was when hearing all of this.

It's a big accusation to make, and my question is: to what end?
I understand Lisa R's. quest to be heard and get it out, but I wonder if her need to get it out is worth the cost of the friendships...and at this point, sharing the information is hurtful to Yolanda.
The relationship is damaged and possibly over, but I've never understood the person who wants to clear their conscience and tell you more bad news after the fact. Where were you when it happened? Why didn't you step forward then?

I think the whole thing is so unfortunate and there is a moral to the story...there's always a moral to the story. This one being that if no one got involved in talking about Yolanda's illness in the first place, none of this would have happened. Think about how much has derived from Munchausen-gate. Sad.

Hold on to your hats, there's much more to come.

As always, ending with a positive thought:
Every day we get a new chance to get it right. Give it your best!

Until next week.

Love,
Kathryn