It’s the middle of April 2007. In the last two years I’ve had my thumb broken, my heart broken, my marriage broken, and my bank broken (that was today’s pleasant surprise, if you think of the most terrific antonym of “pleasant”).
So I’m just going to sit here in lala land (a place you can get to by way of the Ativan train). It’s a lovely place to visit.
I didn’t and don’t want to make a huge deal about what has happened between Eric and me. It’s a private matter. The short version is that we both decided things were not working the way we’d hoped they would and neither of us was happy.
We are now divorced. Still talking to each other. Still care about each other. But not married to each other.
That’s it, really. The big news I’ve been holding onto for the past few months, wondering whether I should let it seep out slowly or just blurt it out. I opted for blurting. It feels good. Everyone’s stunned just the same as if I’d said it slowly.
The truth is, I don’t want to get into details. I don’t want to gossip. I refuse to speak badly of Eric. I still care about him very much. That’s never going to change. Both of us have had some rough times in the past few years. I hope anyone who knows us will extend their concern and prayers (if you do that sort of thing) to both of us.
Here I am living in my parents’ house, biding my time until they’ve had enough of my company (I believe that’s scheduled for July 1). In the meantime, I’ve started taking a course to become a Certified Fitness Trainer. I’ve tried to keep my head financially above water (and I would have done it much better if it wasn’t for those meddling taxmen!).
That’s the news. That’s everything. Well, not everything, but the main parts. I’m hoping to become more active in something soon. Probably fitness stuff. I’m become amazed at how much difference you can make in your health, your mind, your appearance, and your self-esteem simply by sticking to a decent exercise and diet routine. I’m like a new person.
Oh — and I discovered last weekend that I’m actually 5′ 2″ tall, not 5′ 1″ as I’d thought for the last 20 or so years.
Mary
Hi Mary,
You probably don’t remember me, I was an avid reader of Modern Ferret and was very sad to see it go. Like you, a lot has happened in my life too in the years since I last wrote you. I’m so sorry to hear of so many things falling apart in your life. I too have had times like that but being older now I have a better perspective on it all and know that every day you get vertical and put one foot in front of the other is a success.
You have more friends out in the world than you may know about. If you ever want to get away to Colorado I have room for guests and would be honored to have you visit.
Deborah Anderson
(Ferret mom of the late Dweezie and Bruce)
Mary Mary Mary. Just a few years ago life was so much fun. Why does it have to turn into work?
I’ve found that every 5 years life can be totally different. I don’t always like the changes but when I look back over the years things are much better now.
You may not know it but your ferret friends still wish you the best and wonder how you are doing.
Jean
Dear Mary-
I stumbled across your blog after searching for “Modern Ferret” on a whim. Truth is stranger than fiction…from your account of Gabby’s loss, it seems that I lost my last fuzzy, “Bert” nearly on the same day that Gabby crossed the bridge. For various health and financial reasons, I, too, decided it would be unfair to take on any new ferrets at this point and time…but we miss them dearly! I was an avid reader of your magazine and loved your writing and Eric’s photos. I am sad to hear of the trials and tribulations you have gone through over the past few years, and I will pray for your health and happiness. I am a vet tech with 32 years’ experience, but having moved to rural Iowa from Florida almost 2 years ago, I am having no luck finding a job so far in a practice that is ethical and modern. But I won’t give up, just as I see you are taking steps to deal with life’s lemons. The day will come again when God will give us peace in our hearts and ferrets in our arms! Bless you, Mary, and thank you for all the joy you brought to my life. You are well loved and respected throughout the ferret community!
susan