I never thought that would happen.
It's not even that I just didn't think it would happen for me, I just didn't think of it at all.
But here I sit with a gorgeous rock on my left ring finger thinking about what day would be best for our wedding.
That's a long way to come for someone who, at one point, didn't expect to make it to 30.
But here I am at 30, and I'm so happy it feels unreal, like if I blink one too many times, it'll all disappear.
I have a beyond wonderful fiancé, a cozy little home that becomes more ours each day, a job that doesn't feel like work, an adorable tiny wiener dog, and amazing friends whose devotions blazed more brightly than ever this year.
It's certainly no fairytale story; we've struggled a lot in the last year and a half. But, we've made it through an immense amount too.
We've suffered all that comes with the loss of friends we thought we'd never lose, the sorrow that comes with any big life transition- even the happy ones- and the heart wrenching grief that comes with the loss of a mother.
All of these things have brought us closer than we would have ever anticipated.
I am incredibly grateful for my life now, and so very sad that absolutely none of it contains the presence of my mom. Even her memory is barely a whisper contained only in the few people left in my life who ever knew her.
It's a strange realization to know I have, by necessity, built the last 16 years without a piece that seems so vital. And it's beautiful. And I'm happy. And I'm sad.
As my fiancé and I make plans for our wedding, our joys highlight our sorrows, but our sorrows graciously serve to highlight our joys.
It is a good life.
