365 days without you.

“'Cause I'll be there in the back of your mind
From the day we met till you were making me cry
And it's just too bad you've already had the best days
The best days of your life”

I hit the big milestone this week – one year separated. And wow, what a year it has been. I’ve learned a few lessons along my new journey and am grateful for each and every one.

-No matter how “done” you think you are, he will always find something else to make you cry about.
-You’ve never known how powerful the love of family and friends is until you’ve been thrown into hell.
-Kids are much stronger than we give them credit for. And their bluntness and honesty can sometimes be a great kick in the ass.
-Loneliness sucks. But it’s a hell of a lot better than crazy.
-Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, because some fucker is bound to wipe his nose on it.
-Chlorine and girls can make for amazing therapy.
-Dove chocolate can be a best friend.
-Riesling can too.
-You would be surprised at the number of people – men and women – who are in your same shoes. It’s how you walk in them that will determine if you wind up with blisters at the end of your path.
-No matter how many times you say to yourself “you can do this”, there are times that crawling up into a ball and sobbing is the only way you can.
-Attorneys are fucking expensive. (Well duh Amy)
-You can’t fix stupid. But you sure can make him sweat in a courtroom.
-Mediation blows. Hard. Whoever thought that it should be mandatory ought to have to sit beside of a rabid pit bull and try to figure out a parenting agreement.
-The desire to kick him in the balls never goes away.
-Sitting in a parenting class beside a slew of “baby daddies” can actually be quite entertaining.
-Sometimes your brother does know best. But don’t tell him that.
-The anger, hurt, rage, disappointment and grief never go away completely. But their red headed step siblings - happiness, love, understanding and forgiveness do show up to the party more and more frequently.