Exactly 365 days ago today I woke up, got myself ready for the day and started bracing myself for the beginning of the end of my cross country journey. One of my best friends Janet drove 19 hours to tow my trailer and was now in Texas with her family. The kids were waking up, and getting eager to finish the last 70 mile haul to go see Archie, Lori, Virginia and their families. The Brills/Ward family selflessly put aside their time to build a tiny house for my children and I to live in. They provided a roof over our heads without really even knowing us. They were my saving grace in times of despair. As the morning pressed on, Diane and I awaited the arrival or her friend with the truck who was putting himself out there to help a woman he had never even met. While we are inside waiting, Richard made a remark to a loud rumbling noise that was coming from down the road. Apparently their friend was almost there! Things were getting real, it was time to go see the tiny house that I hadnt yet seen finished. Finally Anthony pulls into the driveway and almost instantaneously the big black jacked up truck caught me by surprise. We loaded up and headed to Hartville to start our new lives. Once we arrived Tony pulled the trailer in and all of the men started to help unload what we could bring of our lives. Crib mattresses, a full size bed, our clothes and a minimal amount of toys followed by the majority of my food stockpile. But before any of that happened, I got to tour the place that we would now call home. I believe total it was 320 sq ft of absolutely perfect for us house. We made the absolute best of what we had and to be honest the 7 months or so that we lived on the compound were some of the most humbling moments in my entire life. The moment when the trailer was empty and everyone said their goodbyes I remember leaving to put gas in Tonys truck and spending one more night at Dianes. We had accomplished a lot that day and emotionally I think I needed those few days to fully prepare myself mentally for the journey that was about to begin. When I returned to the compound over the next few days I remember Lori taking me in her arms and asking me if I was okay. Was I? I mean physically I was okay, I felt alright, but inside I felt like I had made one of the biggest mistakes of my entire life! I felt completely alone in the middle of nowhere. These feelings come all too natural for many in my particular situation. I knew this was what I wanted, what the kids and I needed, but why did I feel so empty inside? The realization that myself and four littles, who solely depended on me for their survival, were now on our own, was rejuvenating. I remember I spent many nights crying myself to sleep, feeling sorry for the things that my kids no longer had. Wondering if this was the right choice for us all... It was. I can tell you now that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Im so grateful for everyone who helped with the transition, the loading and unloading and the warm hugs when I needed them... I am stronger because of all these things. The first weekend in August came and thats when there was all the flooding in the Waynesville area. I had to take Zachary to the ER because he was having some sort of crazy allergic reaction. We made it to the hospital on FLW after Houston denied us care, Tony was on base at home and Diane and I called on him to come grab the other three littles so they could go to Dianes house. After our ER visit the roads were awful and I had plans to finish unpacking my house that weekend. Tony offered to drive the kids and I in his truck to drop the kids off due to water being over some of the roads. I graciously accepted and we went on our way. At some point during that weekend we went out to dinner and enjoyed ourselves together kid free. It was just what I needed to start mending my broken spirit. A few months down the road it was decided that Tony and I were officially dating and it all took off from there. He was just what the kids and I needed, he was active and present, he went out of his way to please not only the kids but myself too. He reminded me that I can do it alone, but I dont have to. He was my saving grace when times were trying. He was my person when I lost friends for no other reason than a difference in beliefs and how I chose to parent. He was my pillow to fall into and my rock to keep me strong when I felt like I couldnt do it anymore. He saw the good in us when others judged us prematurely. 365 days ago today, my life changed. I would not change any part of the last year including friendships that Ive lost or the relationships Ive managed to mend. Im far from perfect but perfectly happy with him. That boy and his truck represent more than just a knight and his shining armor. It represents a man who would selflessly do anything for anyone including children that are not his. Anthony Michael Wanosik I love you to the moon and back again, to infinity and beyond, forever and ever. I love you more than coffee and snuggles under a blanket of stars... You complete me in ways I never thought another person could. I look forward to many more years with you as we both learn from one another and grow together. Xoxo Virginia you and your family will not ever be rid of us. You are now an extension of our own family and a root in the beginning of our new family tree...
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 14:50:01 +0000
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