This seriously did not start out to be some kind of you know six part series. So I’m hoping that I can get my point across before I run out of pages and readership.

That spring just before Easter break my coworker was getting married. And if anybody knows what happens in Manitoba, the first thing a couple has to do is have a social. The social is where you pay to get in, you dance a lot, you drink a lot, and then maybe you pay for a couple little raffles, the proceeds go to help fund the new beginnings for the couple.

I asked Dennis and Mary if they wanted to come, and then I asked Brian if he wanted to come. Then I bought the tickets. Well, Dennis and Mary were driving because Dennis didn’t drink. But I must say that Brian and I drank a lot. We danced a lot. And we sure laughed a lot.

Well, on the ride home, let’s just say that you mix close proximity, alcohol, and two people who haven’t gotten laid in a long time, we kind of got to know each other better in that backseat of Dennis and Mary’s car.

The next morning we planned our first “date”. Just the two of us. And we never looked back. We were hook, line, and sinker. We spent every moment together that we could. We discovered that we were compatible on all levels. But mostly just at peace with each other.

We were raising our daughters. He understood my tears when Mother’s Day or the boy’s birthdays made me over sensitive. But he was always there to give me that smile, hold me gently, or remind me how much I was loved.

For the first time in my life there was unconditional love. No jealousy. No fear. When he looked into my eyes I felt like I was the most beautiful woman in the world.

For my daughter’s 18th birthday I received divorce papers and a demand for child support for my son. I earned $500 too much to receive legal aid. His lawyer was asking for $600 a month child support. That was half my take home pay. When I said I would agree to pay for any school supplies, clothing, etc. the response was, “Isn’t your son worth $600?” There was no child maintenance income based rates then. The amount was negotiated through the courts. Randy was an alcoholic. I went to consult a lawyer, she wanted a $5000 retainer. I drove back to Brian’s sobbing. Not knowing how I would pay rent, pay my car expenses, and help my daughter in university.

To be continued..

May I be safe. May I be healthy. May I be happy. May I live with ease.