Is it that time already??

My parents were married for almost 23 years when they divorced. Like every child who's been through this (only I was 19), I always hoped they would reconnect. They dated each other for a while, however it didn't seem to work out. Then 5 years after the divorce was final, they reconciled. In March of 2005, Mom and Dad remarried and were happier than ever before. These two were not the same people that had separated in an ugly fight that had ended with him throwing us both out at 2 am. They had lost their resentment of each other and were ready to be together again. Sadly, it only lasted until Sept. 28th 2005.

Now, my mom is dating again. It's only been 3 months since Daddy passed away, and already she is joining the singles scene once more. Of course, it's easy for me to say it's only been 3 months, I have a husband and wonderful friends to support me and help me move on. Who does she have? Just us 4 girls, who in all reality, aren't that much of a help. And I can't imagine the loneliness and emptiness that is left behind when someone, with whom you've spent the majority of the past 30 years, is suddenly and permanently gone. This time must have seemed like an eternity.

She deserves to be happy. Mom is still young, energetic, caring, and full of love to give. Not to mention, she's beautiful and smart. Who am I to tell her that I'm not ready for her to be talking to new men? Who am I to say that I don't want her bringing dates home to the house my father bought and shared with her. How can I expect her to remain alone and sexless. (Yeah, I know, most people don't think about their mom wanting sex, but she is human after all.) Especially when it's not like he's coming back. That's not fair to her. I've told her that I trust her to take it slow and not jump into a relationship right away. But, in all honesty, even that's not my decision to make. Mom is an adult and can make up her own mind. I refuse to make her feel guilty for wanting someone to be with. I won't be angry with her for moving on. Still, it hurts to imagine her with someone other than my Dad.

So, for now, I will stuff it down and encourage her to find her way to a new world of people. I could only hope that she would support my decisions if the roles were reversed. And she would. I can do no less.