I have been amazed at the heart and soul's capacity to ache, mend, and grow over these past 7 months. 7 months ago, I would have assumed that today would have been a tough day. Today is the anniversary of something that I no longer have cause to celebrate. 7 months ago, I couldn't figure out how I was supposed to stop loving someone who had moved on to "love" someone else. 7 months ago, I didn't know where I would get the strength to face the next day, much less the strength to pick up the pieces left behind, and move through days, weeks and months that have now stretched behind me. I could have never predicted that I would be where I am today. Certainly, walking this path I have made mistakes, I always do. I learn best the hard way. I have been blessed these last 7 months with a wonderful family and wonderful friends. I have been reminded of God's love, grace, and power time and again, as I do not have the ability on my own to handle where I was 7 months ago.

On this day for the last 11 years, I've remembered that girl who took those vows. For the past 10 years, I have thought about the boy who she vowed herself to. Today, there is no more thought of that boy. He is long gone. That girl is still there. She still has dreams, they are just changed now. I had assumed that there would be some desire today to somehow tell that me of yesterday, "Stop, you don't know what you are doing!". I didn't feel that way, though. I don't regret my marriage. The very best thing that came out of it was 2 beautiful, wonderful, loving girls.

Next year, I don't know if I will remember this day. I hope each year, I do take time to be thankful for the lessons learned, for the good times we had, and for the fact that it is now over. I look forward to what is to come. I don't know what is in store for me. I do know, though that I will face each day, grateful for the path I've walked and the blessings in my life. I will continue to try to follow God's will, and trust Him in all things. And, when I make the mistakes that I know will come, I will be grateful for His forgiveness as well.

Here's to the next 11 years! May they get better and better!