One Person Two Lives on Two Sides of the Valley

This is part of my story

I have lived on both sides of this valley.

When my first husband and I moved to this area, we lived on what is called, the bench. It’s on the north side of the valley near the bottom of the mountain you see. It is called The Butte.

We lived there for twelve years and intended to live there until an end came.

It did. My husband died in an accident and I had to sell the house.

I loved it there. We had a panoramic view of the valley and the Butte (the mountain you see at the top of the picture).

I never wanted to leave there, but had no choice.

I moved into town in a small house that turned out to be a blessing. I was out of debt, except for the house.

After being diagnosed with cancer, the house became a place of healing in many ways.

I recovered from the death of my wonderful husband and was declared cancer-free after treatment that was very hard on my physical body.

I was never going to remarry — then I did!

He lived on the side of the valley I took the picture from. The house is behind me on the hillside with a panoramic view that is breathtaking.

We live on a farm and I have often looked across the valley realizing that my life spanned the distance across, the lows and highs, the view from both sides.

It’s a view of my life as well.

Living on the farm is a dream come true for me. I have always loved animals and had them on and off through life. I wanted to live on a farm, but we moved so much that I never could settle in.

My first husband loved to move.

The ironic part is, I was born about thirty miles from where I live now.

Then I lived in many other places further away and several of them were small farms.

Now, I’m on a farm again near where my journey in life began and my husband does not like to move.

This is where I will be until I can’t be here any more. I’m not being morbid — it’s simply a fact.

Aging, life and death are an unavoidable cycle.

I don’t think about it that often.

I live for right now.

I’m almost 75 years old and I understand the need to live in the moment

and for the moment.

To be grateful at all times.

Gratitude, encouragement, faith, love, hope, and a continual appreciation of the moment are what propel me forward.

My second husband is wonderful and that’s a miracle in itself! Not everyone, gets to have two spouses who are both amazing.

I’m content.

I love learning and I believe that all these things combined and placed on a foundation of faith and love have brought me where I am.

I urge you to appreciate where you are, continually learn, grow, change, smile, give thanks, and have fun!

If you do that, you will be able to come through the hard times as a better person with more wisdom.

Look outside and see your journey.

I love writing and this time of my life on Medium is very special to me. I have all these awesome friends. I get to ramble and Drabble!

I am invested in every moment of my life.

When I respond to someone’s comment in an article I’ve written, I end my responses with ❤️ 😁 ❤️ because I always want you to remember — love and joy — they matter.

Don’t forget to have fun!

This is the view from just above my house to across the valley.

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

© Fleda Wright-Bennie 2024. All rights reserved.