Bent but not broken

I recently ran into someone from our old church and she was asking me about my husband's job. I told her where he was working and how much better it is than his old job at the steel mill. She pointed out how things worked out for the best after the lockout. She was so right. My husband and I talked about that a couple of months ago. While I wouldn't want to go through that again, I think it was the reset button that we needed. We were in such a constant turmoil and him being locked out of work was the final straw in the worst year of our lives. Since then, a lot of good things happened, new jobs, new friends, etc. which never would have happened if it wasn't for the lock out. Looking back ,we needed to just blow everything up and start from scratch. It's funny how you can look back at a horrible situation and see the good that came out of it.

My oldest son graduated from high school 3 days ago. Looking back at the last 18 years, it's been one hell of a rollercoaster ride ,with so many twists and turns and ups and downs. Our lives 18 years ago are unrecognizable compared to where we are now .My son didn't have the easiest time during his high school years and there were times when I questioned whether we would ever see this day. I'm so proud of him for not letting his experiences completely break him. Most people don't have any idea about what he has been through. Only a few people know even a fraction of it. Having to put on a brave face and push the pain deep down inside has taught him that he is stronger than he thinks and he can get through whatever comes his way. Actually that's something we've all learned but I have really noticed a change in him particularly in the past 2 years. There has definitely been some growth and maturing that has taken place and I am looking forward to seeing where life...

It's hard to explain to people who didn't know me before I left Fundy world, what I used to be like. They only know me as the fun loving mom who has tattoos , cusses like a sailor and drinks like a fish. They wouldn't recognize the conservative, uptight, Bible thumping, long skirt wearing Fundy wife I used to be. I sometimes run into people from my old church and I see the look of confusion and shock on their faces when they notice my tattoos and lack of ankle length denim skirt. I can't help but chuckle to myself. I sometimes wonder if I have truly changed or if the person I am now is who I always was, but I was hidden behind a mask. I think because it feels so natural to be how I am now, that maybe this person was always inside me ,struggling to get out.  I never felt truly happy before and I was always afraid of what other people would think and felt guilty for having "sinful" thoughts. On some level ,I can relate to people who are gay and have "come o...