Hello all,
I didn't mean to be gone for so long and I want to apologize for not writing sooner. I've thought about this blog post for so long, hoping that the words would come to me, at the right time. My blogging style is to post lots of pictures and write a short blurb here and there. But, too much time has passed already, so I'll try to share my thoughts...
In June of 2012, Phillip and I separated after being together for 22 years, 18 of those years being married. Just this past August 2014, after 26 long months, our divorce was finalized.
I'm not going to go into details, but I will say that it wasn't a case of "growing apart" or "throwing in the towel." There was a major issue that after many years (all 22 actually) the damage was irreparable.
I feel like a completely different person from 2 years ago and I'm doing very well. Most importantly, I believe that I am right where God wants me to be and to quote one of my favorite childhood songs, "My life is in His hands."
My family has been a huge source of love and support. Especially my parents. They encourage and inspire me every day and I'm so thankful for everything they have done for me and continue to do.
My children (all teenagers now!) are also wonderful and of course, there have been many bumps in the road and things I never thought I would have to face, but considering everything that has happened, they are doing great.
We aren't exactly homeschooling...I'm never sure what to call it. We have an organization here that offers homeschool classes in a classroom setting. Each class meets 1-2 times a week and then the student brings home their homework to complete before the next class. I don't do any teaching - I call myself a "homework supervisor"! They also offer extracurricular activities like proms, homecomings, graduations, etc. so it's been a great fit for us in the past 4-5 years.
Grace is 16 and is driving! She actually drives her brother and sister to their classes each week, so it's been a huge help. I give her Starbucks money and she is happy. :) She is getting all A's and will only have a few more credits to earn for her high school diploma, next year. She also enjoys working at a small local grocery part time.
Emily is 15 and is looking forward to being 16! 15 can be such a hard age, sometimes. She will be taking some driving lessons soon. She's about to get her permit - I had the wrong paperwork when we went last week. She is also looking forward to working part time starting next summer. She likes to play the guitar, singing and going antique shopping with me.
Benjamin is 13 and is very laid back and easy going. He helps me out with things around the house and running errands. He is doing great in school and just started guitar lessons. He and I are fans of cooler weather, so we are excited that November is finally here after a hot Texas summer.
The kids and I are still living in the same house and this is a huge blessing and miracle. Being from Canada, I didn't get a work permit until I was pregnant with Grace and by then, was fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom. I have never worked outside of the home and thanks to my Etsy shops, I'm still able to stay home.
I'm looking forward to the future and am very thankful for this gift of a new beginning. If you've made it to the end, thanks for reading and please be kind with your comments.
~Kelli Wilkins
There's a place at the end of the storm
You finally find
Where the hurt and the tears and the pain
All fall behind
You open up your eyes and up ahead
There's a big sun shining
Right then and there you realize
You'll be alright
There's hope in front of me
There's a light, I still see it
There's a hand still holding me
Even when I don't believe it
I might be down but I'm not dead
There's better days still up ahead
Even after all I've seen
There's hope in front of me
-Danny Gokey's "Hope in front of me"
