MOC8-17_Hindsight is 2020

Soco: Storyteller
Journaling: Sometimes, we have to go through difficult times to be happy. Eight years ago, I took the brave and inevitable step of leaving my marriage of 24 years. The boys were 12 and 15. I didn’t want to take them away from their father, nor did I want to break up my marriage, but as circumstances were, I had no choice. I knew that if I stayed, I would sink into depression or start looking around for someone else, and I didn’t want to destroy myself. So, I decided leave my marriage and move out.
The boys shared time between me and my ex, and I began looking for a full-time job. I had not worked full time in over 15 years, but I was determined. Within a year, I had a job offer in Tampa, making more money than I had ever made in my life. The boys told me in no uncertain terms that they were coming with me, and after some dificult conversations, a deal was made. On June 1, 2013, we got in the car and drove from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Tampa, Florida.
I was so scared! I didn’t want to ruin my boys’ lives. What if I was doing the wrong thing? I was taking my boys away from everything they’ve ever known. What if I failed?
They say that hindsight is 2020. It’s been seven years since I arrived in Tampa, seven years since the boys became Floridians. And I can honestly say that things are better than we could ever, ever have dreamed. The three of us have thrived - Florida has been good to us.
I love my job, and they are very happy with me. Michael is about to become a Paramedic. Stephen has graduated high school and even though he hasn’t figured out what he wants to do with himself yet, he has a job and a place to live. Even my ex is happier and in a better place! Hindsight IS 2020, and in hindsight, I did the right thing by taking that brave, scary step.
Feb 2, 2020