After more than 10 years, I have found my way back to the Bahamas. My connection to the Bahamas was ignited several years ago during my second semester at university. A new girl moved in across the hall in my dorm who became more than a friend, but a sister.
I was invited to visit her family in the Bahamas during that spring break. It was my first time traveling internationally and my first time traveling on an airplane. Growing up, my family always had exciting traveling adventures with road trips but never flying. So to say the least it was an adventure!
Over the years, my friend and I have walked through many life changes together. From our daughters being born on the same day, to divorce, grief, and most of all, over 20 years of real sisterhood. We are aunties and goddies to one another’s children and our extended families are our aunties, uncles and grannies.
It’s when you are down that you really discover how loyal people in your life truly are. As a result, I have really come to understand the definition of family. It’s more than a blood relative. Family is a spiritual bond with loving people who will love you through ANYTHING. They intrinsically feel your pain and your joy.
When things went south in my marriage, I was cautious not to pour out my pain to my parents and relatives. I was supernaturally surrounded by the right people to keep me motivated and looking to the future.
This was one of the best decisions I made during that time. Definitely NOT to hide my issues but to share my challenges and pain with the right people. These individuals were not enablers to me failing, but supporters and cheerleaders to forgive and live my dreams regardless.
I find myself circling back these days to family and friend connections from way back. It’s fun for me but it is also healing. Especially for my daughter because I feel she realizes that we are really not alone. She see’s me beyond a mom and ex-wife. She sees how I handle friendships and she enjoy stories of my early years with everyone I introduce her to.
Returning to this beautiful country is like going home. The experience of home cooked Bahamian food, stunning beaches and good’ol Caribbean tunes is so refreshing.
As you walk this journey through divorce and life after divorce, remember to have FUN as you push through the pain, fear and disappointment. Reach back out to old friends, connect regularly with new friends, and take exciting holidays. Always pray, dress, eat, drink, play, and repeat!!!