One year ago today my divorce was final. It's not a date to celebrate, yet it's a date I didn't forget either.
One year ago today I cried when the judge said it was final.
One year ago today I went back to my maiden name.
One year ago today I took a kick-ass driver's license photo with my restored name.
One year ago today I tried to convince myself that I would be better off.
One year ago today I was angry and bitter and dreadfully sad.
One year ago today I was surrounded by my family.
So much and so little has changed in the past 365 days.
A year later, I only cry about the "D" word on a rare occasion. (I contribute that more to being upset over the failure of my "dream" rather than the reality of what the relationship had been.)
A year later, I couldn't be happier that I look my maiden name back. (Yes, there are some awkward moments when I have to explain my children have a different last name, but overall, it ain't no big thing).
A year later, I no longer have to convince myself that I will be better off. I know I will be.
A year later, I still get sad more often than I'd like, but the anger and bitterness is easy to keep at bay (thanks to lots of therapy).
A year later, my family still surrounds me and the girls. Their support is never-ending. I wouldn't have weathered this storm nearly as well without them.
A year later, my girls remind me daily that I am so very lucky to be their mom. I realize the purpose of my marriage was to be rewarded with them.
So Happy Unniversary to me! Here's to another year of learning and growing and hoping the date isn't imprinted in my brain next year.
