PRESENTATION OUTLINE
I was born and raised in Bay City Michigan. I attended school and graduated in 1994. At that time I decided that I didn't want to start school right away, so I went to work full time.
My life hasn't always been easy, but every situation I have endured has made me the woman I am today. I would not change anything that I have gone thru or experienced over the last 40 years.
When I was 20, I met someone. Thought I was in love, made a few mistakes, got pregnant, had a beautiful baby boy, relationship ended.
Isn't it funny how life seems to repeat itself? Me, 22 years old, new relationship, pregnant again, delivered a beautiful baby girl. Guess what? He's not the one either... no luck with finding a good man for me. Now I am a single mother of 2...
Working full time, sometimes 2 jobs, living life to the fullest I can with my kids, I meet someone (cycle repeating once again). I am at that point that I do not want any more kids, but I guess God had other plans. I am pregnant with a drug addicted, abusive boyfriend (seems the tell tale signs didn't come out until I was pregnant). I deliver my son, the man goes to jail (blessing in disguise) and I am once again alone to raise my kids. Learning my lesson, I have the surgery to make sure I will not be able to have any more kids. I am doing well with the kids, struggling at times, but very lucky girl to have my wonderful family by my side.
While raising my kids and working my butt off to give them everything they need, I met a man that changed a lot for me. He wanted to marry me, take on the kids, and make us a family (even adopting my youngest as his own). This was good for about 5 years, then it seems we grew apart and were always fighting. After a while of not getting along, we filed for divorce. A lot of life lessons were learned during this relationship, and there were things we both could have worked on, but in the end it was best for both of us to go separate ways.
Now I have sworn off men. I am not ready to get involved, I want to be alone for a while and focus on myself and kids. I am working 2 jobs and spending my free time with my family.
He frequents the bar I work at. I know he is a good man. He is self sufficient and divorced himself. He is older.
He comes in one night when I am closing. I tell him we can go to the other bar in town to have a drink if he wants. We hit it off. I go back to his house and we talk until early morning. We click. One week later I see him again, and we haven't been apart since.
We have been together 6 years. We have been married for 2 months. He is truly the love of my life. He is my equal, he respects me, treats my kids as his own. He is there when I need him, he is my rock, my stability, my everlasting love.
My life has been full of good times and bad, loves and heartbreaks, trials and tribulations. I have cherished every moment of it. I wouldn't change a single moment as it has made me the strong, independent woman I am today.
Story by Sarah L Chevalier
Pictures are my own or borrowed from Hiku Deck