In my current season in life, I have discovered something. I have, really, only a few people that I truly consider to be a friend.

I’m in a weird season of life. I am married to my second husband, and I have 2 children of my own, and 2 stepchildren. My kids are 20 & 16, and I have spent the last 20 years taking care of them, through school, friend troubles, love, and life. My stepkids are 10 & 7, live with their mom most of the time (that’s a whole other conversation) 35 minutes away from us. We miss the day to day stuff, the PTA stuff, etc. What I have discovered is that I am way less engaged in what they are doing. Why? I was that PTA mom for my kids and 1. I’m a bit burnt out and 2. I just don’t have energy for the BS involved with trying to do stuff and deal with the exwife too.

My kids are in high school and college — their friends are scattered across the country, as are the parents of said friends. The people that I used to see at every football game & band show have moved on with their lives while I have 2 years to go at the high school (I don’t mind — I actually love watching my son play tuba). People that were such an integral part of my children’s childhood are in their next phase of their children’s lives.

So, what’s a person to do? I have decided to explore some different projects for my own self improvement. I taught myself how to crochet and I’ve been working on writing a book on my family history. And I’ve been reading the books that I had put off when my kids were little. And I’ve reconnected with some old friends who never really left.

And I’m mostly ok with that, although it is strange not getting together with couples/families/whatever for a spur of the moment dinner.

I’m getting there.

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    Christine Thompson Elmore

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