2017 has been both exhilarating and demoralizing. I also managed to get divorced and married in the same year – Lawd Almighty! The sperm donor, after many years of being begged and cajoled was finally strong armed into signing. It was a strange feeling because I thought I would feel so fantastic, but all I felt was a numbness

and a disbelief that it was finally done.

I had moved in the December before with the situationship that is often referenced in these blog posts …but truth be told…i love him and he enriches my life, and understands me in ways few people do. And for that I am grateful. He has been a constant source of laughter, frustration, anger, fights, sarcasm and delight this past year and in August I married him, at his insistence, and I am not sorry. Living with him makes me feel alive and challenged. He pushes me and I him. Its a symbiosis. Love. Care.

Secondson graduated from high school and enrolled in the same school as his brother. He is happy well rounded and is doing well.

He has a steady girlfriend and is happy for realz.

Firstborn is doing well too – good at school and well-rounded. He went ice fishing this winter with his step-dad.

Parents are well and visited this past Summer. Getting old and I’m more concerned about them – but they are well and traversing their lives well.

I got fired and then also hired at a local college as an assistant professor – all in the space of 7 weeks, My academic life is taking off and I am so happy to be able to teach – God has truly been awesome to me.

I have had a year of solid friendship of my South African susters who have supported and sustained me – both in New York back home in South Africa. And I have met the best family in Colorado Springs and I am grateful for my mother-in-law and the extended family for being

wonderful and welcoming and making me and the boys feel like I have a home and a family here.

I am excited for 2018. I hope to go home for a visit soon. So grateful for my life, and despite all the sadness, uncertainty and frustration i have remained steadfast in my faith and surrounded by love.