My Good Fortune

I have been with my life partner Tim for 17 years. He is my good fortune and my bright star.

Over the years we have been through many hurdles, and moments of pure happiness, like many other couples. We were not an obvious match in terms of life style, and I have learned a great deal from him. I have learned to not sweat the small stuff so much, to do my best in any given situation and accept the outcome, and I have learned to pick my battles and control my temper. And I'm not done learning from him... he is wise and kind. We have two beautiful sons, and I could not have chosen a better father for my children.

I have not always been able to recognise what Tim is bringing to my life, like many other partners in a long time relationship. At certain times I had serious doubts about our relationship and contemplated a separation. Finances have been a source of stress... mostly for me. The fact that he is not so good at sorting priorities when it comes to house chores... not handy and a bit clumsy... and I felt that it was all on my shoulders. It often all made me irritable and far from charming of course. But for the most part, it was my own expectations that were making it difficult. Slowly but surely, Tim showed me bring all that to my own comfort level and not be so concerned about what others may think.

There will still be days ahead when I might read this and wonder how I could see all that. But thank God, I know better and I can acknowledge that it's just my state of mind on a bad day. Tim is the same wonderful guy all along, and I love him to bits.