Relationships

Two years ago today we had to let our Quinton leave the physical world and cross the rainbow bridge. He was ready, it was time. And as it so often does, the universe aligned to bring us together to say good-bye. I’ve labeled myself a bit of a cat whisperer, although Quinton was no ordinary cat. He was my girl’s first best friend. Sometimes I wonder if they were two souls reunited again, they had an indescribable bond.

My dad had three sisters, and my mom had two. That is not to say I don’t have uncles — I do, and they are wonderful. They joined our story by marrying my aunties and becoming part of the fabric of our family. Lately, I’ve been thinking about siblings. On my dad’s side, he is the only one of his siblings who is gone. On my mom’s side, she is the only one left. That reality feels strange. I love my aunties. Each one has been my favorite for different reasons.

Welcoming a new year always brings reflection. 2025 was a tough one—but more about that later. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about being an almost empty nester. There were so many moments when I truly believed this stage would never come. The house would never be quiet. We would never get to do things just for ourselves. We would never have private moments together again. And yet… here we are. Six months from our youngest graduating. We had them all home at Christmas. The

Home for Christmas break several months ago, my girl knew her mama was struggling both mentally and physically.