This year of 2024 is already nearly halfway over, and my goodness, it has been an incredible journey so far! Despite the heartache of losing Darryl, my late fiancé, back in 2016, the wounds still linger. Recently, his family, particularly his brother, unleashed a torrent of hurtful messages, blaming me for Darryl’s passing and demanding that I sever ties with them. It’s been a painful reminder of the loss and the complexities of grief.

But amidst the darkness, a ray of light emerged in the form of a message on Facebook Dating from my current amazing boyfriend, Chris. Can you believe it? Fate brought us together despite the distance between us, with Chris originally hailing from Apple Valley and me rooted in Santa Clarita on the ranch with my mother. At the time, Chris was living in San Diego, adding an extra layer of challenge to our budding connection.

Our journey together hasn’t been the conventional one, but oh, it’s been nothing short of magical. Chris has been my rock, my confidant, and my biggest supporter. There were moments when I contemplated embracing single parenthood, but Chris showed me that love knows no bounds, and he’s proven to be the partner I’ve always dreamed of.

It’s incredible how life comes full circle sometimes. Chris and I technically crossed paths years ago at a soccer tournament when we were just kids. Now, as adults, we find ourselves inseparable, with my mom noting how uncannily alike we are, like twins in spirit yet beautifully different in our own ways.

Together, Chris and I are on a journey of self-improvement and mutual growth, constantly striving to bring out the best in each other. From our shared laughter during movie nights to his tender care and unwavering support, every moment with Chris feels like a blessing.

And speaking of blessings, our little piece of paradise on the ranch is flourishing. Despite the recent health scares with my kidney infection and Cody’s abscess, we’ve found solace and joy in nurturing our garden. From peaches to a lemon tree, strawberries to potatoes, onions to basil, lemon thyme to sage, roses to grapes, leeks to squash, watermelon, and so much more, our garden is a testament to our love for nature and each other.

The past weeks have been a whirlwind. I experienced excruciating stabbing pain in my lower back, prompting a visit to the doctor. A kidney infection was diagnosed, with the possibility of kidney stones looming. Despite the discomfort, I’m grateful for timely medical intervention and the assurance that proper care will lead to recovery. Additionally, the diagnosis of a vitamin D deficiency wasn’t surprising, given my history, and it explains my constant fatigue. I’m now taking steps to address it with prescribed supplements, especially considering my anemic condition, which has necessitated an emergency blood transfusion in the past.

As for Cody, one of our beloved horses, a sudden limp revealed an abscess. It was a challenging moment, but I’m proud of how I handled it. Spending hours cleaning and draining the abscess was tough, but seeing Cody comfortable and on the mend brings immense relief.

One moment of triumph amidst the challenges was successfully growing stems from the flowers I took from Chris’s grandmother’s memorial service. These stems, now thriving with roots and even sprouting a new leaf, serve as a poignant reminder of the beauty and resilience of life.

And let’s not forget the newest additions to our ranch family: Wednesday and Thursday, our delightful pair of ducks. With their names bringing a touch of whimsy and routine to our days, they’ve quickly become cherished members of our community.

Despite the challenges, these experiences remind me of the strength and resilience within. With Chris by my side and our shared passion for nurturing life on the ranch, I’m filled with hope and gratitude for the love and blessings that surround us.