Reflections

Today my driving licence expired. Its been 10 years since I last had to stand there for "that" photo, which I might add was one of the better ones taken (I am not photogenic). Almost to the point I actually enjoyed handing it over when pulled over by a good looking policeman.... but I digress.

The fact is, the photo was taken 10 years ago, when I was 34 years old. And boy a lot has happen in those ten years. And yes it has aged me, both physically and emotionally.



You see in these 10 past years there are loads of regrets, anger and sadness, but balanced with happiness and new beginnings. There was a betrayal (adultery kind), a vicious property dispute and painful divorce, a breakdown from the threats, fear of having to raise a young child without financial nor emotional support from his biological father, and loss of "so-called" friends. And there was stress from financial pressures, the start of a new relationship (including the dramas courtesy of a feral ex-wife and his 3 kids), trying to forge a new career whilst being the only provider, putting myself through a 3 year Uni degree, the purchases of not one but 2 houses (which the bank helped "f" up the process on both), the complicated birth of my second son, the move to the country, my partners 2 1/2 year period of unemployment......... and an Autism Spectrum Disorder + ADHD diagnosis (youngest child).

But then there was meeting my partner (though he has MANY faults, loves me deeply), my eldest child growing into a beautiful young man (who I am immensely proud of), my youngest child being the most loving, amazing individual you will ever meet, my family and my partner's family who have stood by me throughout the past painful episodes of my life, moving to the country and learning many new tasks and skills (never thought I could milk a goat and make the most sort after cheese but I can), my new friends who have been there for me (unlike my so called "old friends"),  and not only completing the Uni degree with mainly high distinctions, but obtaining a post graduate in emergency nursing as well. I have personally saved lives, and helped others exit this life with dignity and comfort, I make a difference at my youngest son"s school (all 20 pupils LOL) by helping with reading and being the treasurer on the parents committee. And I am learning to ride my own horse
Piglet.

So this on the day of my 44th birthday, I am currently drinking my favourite glass of wine, the roast is in the oven. I look forward to the next 10 years, with all that it brings (hopefully with a lotto win so I can have that talk with a plastic surgeon LOL). And when I reflect back in 10 years time, I look forward to listing "loosing the weight with Michelle's 12 wbt program" as one of the positives.

Deborah.