I never thought I’d be telling my story to strangers, but life has a way of surprising you — sometimes in the most painful ways. I’m 60 years old now, and I’ve lived through more than I ever imagined I could.
I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other’s names and secrets. At 20, I met the man who I thought would be my forever. We built a home, raised two beautiful children, and weathered storms together — literal storms, like the hurricane that tore the roof off our house, and the storms life throws at your heart.
But then came the day that changed everything. He left for work one morning, kissed me goodbye, and never came home. A drunk driver took him from me in an instant. The weeks after were a blur of funeral flowers, sympathetic faces, and nights where I screamed into my pillow so the kids wouldn’t hear.
I rebuilt my life piece by piece. Just when I thought the worst was behind me, life threw another curveball — my youngest moved across the country, and my eldest was diagnosed with an illness that forced me to spend months in hospitals, praying for a miracle. Somehow, we made it through, but the battles left me with scars no one can see.
Now the house is quiet. Too quiet. I still set two cups on the table out of habit. I still catch myself turning to share a thought with someone who isn’t there. I’ve known great love, crushing loss, and moments where I didn’t think I could go on… but I did.
I’m here because I believe it’s never too late to find someone to share the next chapter with — someone to laugh with on good days, to hold hands with on hard ones, and to remind me that even after the storms, the sun still rises. Maybe you’ve been through your own battles too. If so, perhaps we can face whatever comes next… together.
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