The first day of my "new normal"

I took sister Anne to the airport yesterday for her flight home.  She is beginning a new path in her life, just I'm beginning one in mine.  Her separating from her husband is quite unlike mine, though.  Hers is a deliberate choice to grow and to experience life unencumbered. Yet I know her family will remain intact, perhaps stronger for the separating, like trees that need light and space to grow.  My separating from Pete was a more forced ordeal, yet I know Anne and I will share some of the same feelings and it's so nice to have someone hold my hand during the transition into "singlehood." I did eat better last night--leftovers...but it was nutritious and not the wine-popcorn- ice cream feast I'd enjoyed previously.  I took the dog for one of her and my first walks together, and was surprised at how she kept up--even trotting along.  Maybe she and I will become the fast friends she and Pete were.

Because Pete and I hadn't shared a bedroom in years, sleeping without him is not an issue.  I don't know that I can sleep with someone occupying my "space" and smile as I think of meeting someone, wanting to share intimacy and then saying, "OK, now I'm sleepy, so I'll see you later."

I talk to Pete a lot in my head; it's like his brain and mine are conjoined.  He and I spend our days together now, and though others may not see or sense it, I'm thinking we can still have some fun.  He can run with me, cook with me, walk Gracie with me.  We're still a couple, if only apparent to the two of us.