The Epilogue

As I sit here at age sixty-five, I realize just how fast time can pass you by, but I have no regrets with the decisions I did make. I loved, I was loved and I shared my love with many. I was able to find a lovely man who I adore and we were able to build a wonderful family that I am very grateful for.

Lillie grew up to become an author (she took after her 'daddy' in that department) of humorous teen novels. She also married a man who has been treating her and their three children well. She's currently pregnant with another baby girl on the way. Harry and I are proud of her for never taking anyone's shit and always believing in herself; she's truly an inspiration to us and to her readers.

Nate grew up liking boys. He had always claimed that boys were just better than girls; of course Harry and I didn't mind. He happily married a man who teaches second grade and he works as a middle school teacher himself. They are in the process of adopting their second son and their first is five years old. They visit often because Nate constantly worries about Harry and I even though we reassure him there is nothing to worry about.

Jace was our trouble child when he was growing up. He constantly got into things he shouldn't have and most times he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Nonetheless, he grew up to become a very successful businessman and travels the world which was something he had always wanted to do. He visits every so often, mainly when he happens to be in the same state, but it's always a pleasure to talk with him and listen to his stories. He said he's thinking about settling down sometime and he might adopt a child from another country.

Harry's enjoying the simple life. He's been writing more and more often since he has retired. I love to see him sit down at the table with his laptop out and his coffee cup in his hands. He often hits writer's block and that is when I'm called to help him. He says that I am his inspiration which gets me flustered and he then kisses me gently on the lips.

We've been living on our own for a while now, yet we never seem to get a break. Lillie is always asking if we can take one of her kids to school or an extracurricular activity. Nate loves bothering us about Thanksgiving dinners and family game nights, but we welcome them all over.

Things turned out good in the end, even after every thing life threw at us, we were able to find a way to make things work out. We made sure each of our children got a proper education even if we had to work longer hours to see it happen. We made sure they stayed healthy and they felt supported by us (which is why we ended up going to many of Nate's plays and Lillie's tennis matches). We loved and were loved and that is what is truly beautiful.

Even as I write, I think of how I have everything I could have ever asked for...and then some.

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This marks the end of the story. I truly hope all of you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading. -M