April 16, 2025, would have been the 25th
wedding anniversary for Craigley and me. But it isn’t happening, and I am glad.
When it all crashed and burned, 2 years and a few months ago, ASid remarked that it should have happened several years prior to that! Hans was upset that it happened a few years too early! I felt like it was the right time … I was finally not just emotionally and mentally ready, but also financially ready.
A few people wondered if Craigley was cheating on me or was abusive in a conventional way?! Well, he wasn’t! If there was any abuse, it was mostly related to finances. Craigley had all the money, and I had none. On my 40th birthday, I was informed that I would no longer receive Craigley’s hard-earned money, and that I was on my own. At that moment in time, I felt alone, afraid and ashamed … I am not using alliteration for some sort of dramatic effect here; that’s how I felt. For the longest time, I couldn’t share this with anyone. It was then that my marriage to Craigley really ended.
I am happy I am on my own now. I don’t feel alone. I am not afraid. I am definitely not ashamed.
Sometimes, we don’t have to reach certain milestones to feel a sense of accomplishment. Knowing when to quit should be celebrated as well.
