My Second Verse: Day One. The Dog Days are Over

So, this is it—the first day of the rest of my life. I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to Southern California and Arizona to visit friends and family, and to close a chapter that brought me a great deal of pain.

Last week, I celebrated my 50th birthday, and the joy I felt was intense. I spent the day with my mom and my partner, a fitting way to welcome a new decade. I hadn’t seen my mom in nearly five years, and reconnecting with what had once been a close relationship was fantastic. All mothers and daughters have their issues, but overall, I cannot complain. She has always been a wonderful mother—and an even better grandmother.

I recently left my husband of five years and had to return to the home we shared to retrieve the rest of my belongings. Divorce proceedings are ongoing. Despite everything, I’m hopeful we can remain amicable. I’ve endured so much in my 50 years, and I’d rather not carry more hate or resentment.

I also wanted to spend time in Southern California saying “goodbye for now” to dear friends who have become family. Unfortunately, when I left, circumstances forced an Irish Goodbye. I shocked everyone. No one knew what had been happening behind closed doors. It was cathartic to see most of the people I care about and explain some of the reasons behind my abrupt departure.

In many ways, I feel as though I’ve been in a fugue state for the past ten years. I haven’t been myself. And while there were some positives, that period brought mostly pain. But today, I’m starting over—returning to who I am.

Thus begins my Second Verse.