10 September 2008

It's Never Too Late For A Happily Ever After

Some time ago, my fiance (now wife) and I were walking through a craft store (gasp!) and we came across the phrase used to title this blog: "It's Never Too Late for a Happily Ever After". I've often seen these cute little one-liners that people like to stencil on their walls, but this particular one really seemed to hit an emotional chord with me.

Over seven years ago I found myself newly divorced from 12 years of marriage. I was feeling incredibly guilty over what had happened and felt like life's happiness had indeed passed me by. I was stressed beyond belief over issues with my children's well-being as well as my employment. I was such a wreck I could scarcely function. In less than 2 months time I had lost over 40lbs. On a daily and sometimes hourly basis I was trying to endure emotional and verbal abuse from my ex-wife, her family members, and even some former friends. I was quickly reaching the point where I didn't even want to exist anymore. I was beginning to lay piles of guilt on myself in order to justify my own miserable existence. I was truly lost.

Somehow I managed to endure this misery for a year or so whereupon I met someone who showed me there was life after divorce. I dated this person for nearly 6 years before I had the courage to try marriage again. Even though the abuse from my ex-wife continued for several years beyond my divorce, this woman stood by my side. She never judged me and she was always quick to encourage me. She was and is always there for me - always! She has accepted me for what and who I am without condition. I don't think she will ever fully understand the profound influence she has had upon my life. It is because of her that I continually strive to become a better person.

Now the reason for this blog: My wife has given me insight to some rather strange things - strange to me, at least. Every time I start to make dinner, she comes in and helps me. Whenever I go outside to do yard work, she comes out and helps me. Whenever I am folding laundry, she helps me. Whenever I am making the bed in the morning, she helps me. Whenever I am making home repairs, she not only offers her help, but insists I teach her how to do the job at hand as well. Never before have I been in such a loving and helpful relationship. She does all these things for me without me so much as even hinting for her help. Now I don't want anyone to think I do all these things all of the time. She does these things (and more) too and I love helping her as well. She is the sole reason that I feel that God must love me to have sent such a wonderful human being into my life despite all my shortcomings. I honestly don't deserve her!

Not only did she come along at just the right time and save me from myself, but she really is my happily ever after! I'm grateful it wasn't too late. I love you, L!