A Year Later

Dear Emily,

It's been a year,  365 complete days, now what? What have you done with those 365 days? Where will you go with the next?

Anniversaries are milestones, we have them for the good things in our lives and the bad, we mark them because they've had a profound impact on us. Today is an Anniversary for me. One year ago today I was released from the rappahannock regional jail after spending ten and a half months there. Ten and a half months that I thought were the hardest of my life, they weren't, life since rrj has been.

Not all that has happened over the past year has been bad, in fact much of it has been very good, just not easy and not as I expected. See, while I was locked away I had nothing to do but think, reflect, plan and well, when I got home I found there were four other people in my  house and countless more throughout my life that didn't think MY ideas were great and didn't want to go with my "perfect plan" for a new life. I know, I know, it's hard to believe that everyone that came across my path didn't want to jump on board, but they didn't. Moreover, many of these people wanted me to jump in and ride with them! Crazy! ;-)

So, it's a year later and where am I? Well, I am back with my husband and monsters and for that I am thankful. While everyday is not easy and the effects of my time away are still being worked through, we are together and that's the best place we can be. The only place I want to be. Together we will make it all work!

My group of friends is much smaller and different than it was and that has been an adjustment. I was surprised by those that has both stood by us and those that didn't. I'm not going to lie, it hurt when some left and I'm not totally over that. Now, those that have stayed have been the greatest gift. While the numbers may not be great, the love and support from them is what has gotten me and my family through this year. Thank you, I hope you know who you are. I am going to give a HUGE public SHOUT OUT to my bestie both before and after, Jessie, I love you and love and appreciate all the love you give to me and my family. Thank you will never be enough <3

It's been a year. Now what? I guess we will see. I look forward to seeing what the next year brings!