Two years

About a month ago, I received an invitation in the mail.

A wedding invitation.

The wedding is three days before my two year wedding anniversary.

Last year I skipped a wedding that was four days after my anniversary.

I was invited to go alone and I had learned my lesson on that.

But this year I want to go.

I am bringing Mr. X.

And I am sure the actual wedding may be hard.

But I will not be alone.

Receiving the invitation brought back some memories.

This particular couple got engaged while I was on my honeymoon.

This invitation was sent about the same time as mine.

And I can imagine that two years earlier people were receiving mine during the same week.

And then I look at the last two years.

I was married one-third the time I have been a widow.

And yet my wedding was only two years ago.

Two. Years. Ago.

In two very short years, my life has completely changed.

And I ask myself, how the hell did I get here?

I thought it would have changed in a completely different fashion.

I thought I would be a different person than the person behind the screen now.

I thought I would be happily married.

I thought I would be starting on house remodeling plans.

At least the ones on the five-year plan.

But instead, I am unemployed.

I am a full time student to become a teacher.

I am dating someone who is not Roger at all.

And on this Monday night, I will sleep in my bed alone.

Two short years.

About 104 Mondays later...