Cheers to New Beginnings

I have been engaging in conversations with my youngest child. She will be eighteen in June of this year. I have four children including my bonus child. I love my oldest daughter as if she were my own. She was two years old when I began dating her father. My children have been the center of my world. Raising my children and watching them grow has been joyous. Now that my baby will be grown and gone this year, I am preparing to release yet another chicken from the coop.

One of the toughest things that I have had to do, in this life, is send my children off as they start their own journey. I have really been thinking about my youngest child since the year started. I do not think that I will be any more prepared this year than I was the first time I had to do it. I remember sobbing uncontrollably and thinking that only God could get me through that moment. The last time we sent a child off to college was much easier. I hope this time will be as well. With this comes a new journey for me and my husband.

We will have to learn to live as just two people instead of two people with children. We have not done this in over twenty-three years. I am thankful that our love is still strong enough to sustain itself because many couples only stay together for their children as time goes on. Once the children leave home, they feel free enough to go their separate ways. I am all for people embracing their happiness, but this is often a shock to the children, and sometimes, the other spouse.

I am thankful that I purposely decided to be committed to my partner in this marriage. Marriage is hard work. Anyone who says that it is not, is telling a bold lie. Now we get to reap the benefits of our labor and enjoy each other’s company without interruption. It is no longer limited to a few hours alone for a date or a night alone because a relative is babysitting. This is long term. I never have to be distracted by a knock on the door in the middle of the night again. The love will continue in normal speed. There will be no reason to rush.

My husband and I have discussed this journey many times. We have talked about travelling, cooking, staycations, developing new hobbies, dance lessons, and so much more. By the way, I am happily taking suggestions so please add your comments. I am excited about the new journey that we are about to embark upon. I cannot wait for our love story to go to the next level!