Having a twenty year marriage to a wonderful man healed a sense of isolation rooted deep in my childhood experiences. The incredible nurturing of family strengthened me, making me more self-confident and emotionally flexible. Together we had a beautiful daughter named Mira, a home, a successful business and a remarkable community of friends. How then can anyone begin to understand why such a bond is broken?
There is such a strong cultural belief that if a marriage ends it is somehow a failure. Not at all, just the closure in a chapter of a life. Just an about face and a rebirth. I am testimony that divorce can be a liberating phenomena. As a mother, wife and business owner, time alone was rare and I craved it for twenty long years. Suddenly set free as an empty nester and a single woman I have a yawning space of time in which to renew myself.
My marriage had so much good that I wouldn’t change any of my choices. The memories we created and the lessons learned have made me who I am today and I am grateful to all those who played part in this wonderful drama called life. I give particular thanks to Roy, my soon to be ex-husband who stood by his family sometimes like a soldier whose sole purpose was to protect the homeland. Running a small business in a roller coaster economy is not easy.
I still cry sometimes and miss the intimacy found with family but I also know this too will pass and someday I will find myself again in a tight bond of community. But in the mean time I feel like I am god’s child dancing in a field of wildflowers.
Dear Camille,
My sentiments too. Raising a daughter with you were the best years I have had. Being a father and living that dream were immensely gratifying. When things changed with us and we had really worked on seeing what could be done we modeled for Mira that relationships are not just a matter of duty but love. And that love can change and when it does with partners that are moving in different directions that they can make changes with respect for each other. Recreating community is important and I am grateful for the support of those who have helped me along this difficult new path including you.
Camille…big changes in your life. Keep dancing through.I’ll be coming to CA and visiting in Monterey from May5-9…hope you can find some time to dance with me.
Hi Laurie,
I would love to see you. I am traveling with Mira down the Coast in her new School bus….yes believe it or not. Stopping at Conscious Dance Centers on our way. We will leave Vancover on June 3rd. I’ll be getting home around the 8th, 9th, or 10th of June. Let’s keep in touch. Here is my cell. Call me. 831-238-4383.
I love your heartfelt stories, and the courage and trust that you have to put this out for others. I admire your strength, optimism, and love of life. Your words are honest and kind. Love to you and your beautiful family, from an old Waldorf acquaintance and customer.
Wow, thank you Marjorie. Your words are so kind. We so loved the Waldorf community. Hope to meet you again soon.