My life had to slow down. It was time.
After my divorce, things changed very dramatically very quickly. A two parent home turned into a single parent home to four little souls… and two pups. Although I always felt I had control over the situation, to some degree, I’ll admit it was still very hard.
Along with loving, nurturing and managing a household of six dependents, I was also managing my company. Things did not seem to slow down for me. I was over-extended. I missed deadlines. I had huge financial set-backs, and in the long run, I felt like I had failed my children. I could no longer be supermom. This city girl who grew up loving the noise had to chase something more crucial to her health and survival; peace.
And then I met Griffin; a boot-strapping coastal country man, who loved the great outdoors, and took every opportunity to show it to me. We completed a 5K-Mud Run together, we went hiking together, we went biking together and we watched plenty of sunsets together. I was still living in the big city, but when I’d travel to visit him in his smaller country town, I was smitten.
I could breathe better.
I could see clearer.
The sky seemed within my reach.
The scent of pure nature was refreshing.
I. Was. Smitten.
And, I wasn’t the only one who loved it there. My kids did too. When I’d go back to the city, I could sense how much I missed the country side. Where I lived suddenly seemed too noisy and not as freeing. The big busy life I had chased for so long became overwhelmingly unattractive to me. I blamed it on my age, a few awful tragic experiences… mostly my age. But perhaps I simply needed to slow down and breathe a little more. Perhaps I needed to truly get away from the noise to hear God’s voice clearer, and embrace true healing. That seemed like a better road to reach peace, and even still, I didn’t know how I was going to get there. I certainly wasn’t going to move away on purpose, leave my kids hanging and move in with a man.
Unfortunately, it took a very drastic change of events that would force me to abruptly move and my children to live with their dad. Emotionally, I was drained, confused and scared. Griffin’s mom took me in, and guess where she lives? The country. I wasn’t wanting it so quickly, but I had no control over the timing. However, learning how to live in a smaller country town, discovering new ways to enjoy the day, and adventuring in ways I was often afraid of really began to soothe my soul.
Today, I find moments where I sit back, be still, and enjoy the quiet life I have. The people here are so kind and warming. The quietness comforts me. The country accents tickle me. Hearing folks talk about all of the country ways they know fascinates me. I’ve never gone fishing. I’ve never been in a boat on the lake. I’ve never gone hunting. I’ve never gone camping. Griffin is excited to share all of these experiences with me, and after an almost year of being together, I’m looking forward to it too. This place has truly been a remedy in my life. I’m healing well, and that’s a whole lot to be thankful for.
I haven’t bought a pair of cowgirl boots yet, but I have a feeling that’s coming soon!
-Ms. Kennisha
P.S., Here’s a sweet picture of my strapping gentleman, Griffin, and his best pal.
