Photograph
Photograph
Coming Home
A year and a half later, everything was going well. My youngest daughter was living with me and attending college, while my oldest lived nearby and was finishing her studies. I was working part-time and devoting myself to Daylight Coaching. It felt healing to pursue my own hopes and dreams without the constant dread of uncertainty. Although it took time to emerge from survival mode and release my body’s instinctive flight-or-freeze response, I gradually began to embrace the reality that I was finally safe.
One evening, as I was settling in, a message appeared on my phone. To my surprise, it was from My Ryan—he had started following my Daylight Coaching Instagram page. I hadn’t heard from him in thirty years. Although he had often crossed my mind over the years, I knew very little about his life, other than the fact that he had married, had children, and later divorced. Seeing him appear on my page was surprising—and a little exhilarating.
I considered messaging him but hesitated, unsure whether he was in a relationship or simply being supportive. Over the next few days, however, he continued liking everything I posted on Instagram. It felt like more than simple support; it seemed as though he was trying to get my attention. Eventually, I gave in and sent him a message. We arranged to meet for lunch the following day, and ended up talking for hours.
During our conversation, I learned that he, too, had endured a difficult and abusive marriage, followed by the heartbreak of losing both his parents and his brothers. We were both navigating the difficult process of picking up the pieces and moving forward.
From there, we began spending more time together, which eventually led to dating and a happy, committed relationship. Ironically, we discovered that our ex-spouses had unintentionally brought us back together. They both attended a gathering for divorced alumni from our high school. During the event, they shared their stories, and Ryan’s ex learned that my ex-husband and I had divorced. Eager to pass along the news—perhaps more for the thrill of gossip than out of genuine concern—she texted Ryan. With this new information, he felt compelled to find me on Instagram and reach out.
So, in a roundabout way, we have our exes to thank for reconnecting us. 😊
It feels as though life has come full circle, and I remain in awe of the way God brings us back—not only to what we want, but to what we truly need, when we are open to receiving it. I continue to be amazed by the way everything unfolds as I learn to relax and allow Him to guide me.
Although I’m excited about this new journey and have found it deeply healing, I also recognize that it isn’t perfect—and it was never meant to be. Every new season brings its own challenges. Yet when we accept the challenges God places before us, they can lead us toward healing, wholeness, freedom, and a sense of purpose.
One of my favorite Martha Beck quotes is: “Peace is your home, integrity is your way to it, and all that you long for will meet you there.”
I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t let go of what culture and society told me I was supposed to do and, instead, trusted the inner compass I call my Coach to lead me here. I can already tell that this life—even with its challenges—is completely different. I feel loved, supported, and cared for, not only by Ryan, but also by the people I intentionally choose to have in my life.
I know I’m on the right path because I feel more at peace. More than that, I feel as though I’m finally Coming Home.
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