10 Years, 5 Married, and a Whole Lot of Life in Between

Ten years together. Five years married. A four-year-old boy who lights up our lives.

That’s the math of my marriage — but of course, love and partnership are anything but linear.

Back in October, I made a move I never thought I would. I left. I got my own place. It was time to find myself again, to sit in the quiet and remember who I was outside of being a wife and a mom. And for a while, I did feel free. Like I could breathe deeply for the first time in years.

But life is funny. And heavy. And relentless in its timing. Not long after I started finding my footing, my mom got too sick to live alone. Without hesitation, I moved her in with me.

My sense of freedom evaporated.

Suddenly I wasn’t just navigating a separation, solo parenting, and healing — I was caregiving too. The weight of everything felt unbearable at times. But here’s the part I didn’t expect: my husband showed up.

In ways I hadn’t seen before.

He stepped in for our son with so much love and patience. He supported me with my mom’s care, even though I’m sure he was hurting too. All while working full time, juggling everything life threw at him, and never once asking for praise.

We recently marked our five-year wedding anniversary — separated, but not bitter. Reflective, maybe even hopeful.

Watching him over these past few months has shifted something in me. I see him now not just as the man I married, but as the man who continues to show up, no matter what. He’s a great dad, a loving husband, a loyal family man. And despite everything, still my best friend.

My lease is up in October.

And let me tell you — a lot can change in six months.

Stay tuned.