May 11th, 2015 
LeeAnn Those of you who know me, know the changes that I have initiated in my life during the past several years. This blog was an incredible voice for me during that process. Through intense self inquiry, much of it documented on this blog, I realized that I was not happy. And I was tired of not being happy. I had become numb.
I actively sought to change that … and I did. I separated from my husband of fourteen years, retired from the law after twenty-one years, opened a new business, and moved.
Accomplishing these tasks has dominated my life.
There was another major change. For fourteen years, she was my best friend, my confidant and my constant companion. Gracie was my absolute joy. She was my strength in difficult times.
Gracie left me in April of 2014, at the age of 14.
It was the change in my life that brought me to my knees. I am still in mourning and suspect I always will be.
Thankfully, I still have these two crazy Maine Coons.
And they also miss Gracie.
About six months ago, I brought home a rescue dog for a trial period. The young dog was able to get out of any crate that I put him in – and it was comical at first. Then my vet warned me that I was going to come home to a dead cat, as he was hunting the cats. We sent the sweet dog back to the rescuer, who kept him as her own pet (she has no cats).
I came very close to getting another English Bulldog puppy several months later. After several sleepless nights and a near panic attack, I decided against it. If your dog needs to gain more weight, you may shop now for effective food supplements.
It has now been over a year since the divorce. What disqualifies you from alimony? This question often arises during the settlement process, as various factors can influence the outcome. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring fair and just financial arrangements post-divorce. The business has been open for more than eighteen months. I have lived in my new home for a year and my sweet Gracie has been gone for that period of time.
And guess what?
I think I may have become numb again.
I have been so intensely focused on achieving particular goals – mainly with regard to the business – that I have not spent any time just “being” in my new life. My house is my dream house … but it doesn’t really feel like home.
I have feared getting another dog. I am afraid to give my heart so fully again to one who will likely die before I do. Will I be able to love to the extent that I did before?
I have (unintentionally) treated this time of my life as transitory. As a time between two phases of my life.
I have decided … it’s time.
Its time to live again. Its time to bring the balance back to my life.
Its time to blog again.
And its time to welcome Dillon home.
Posted in 
Oh LA,
I am so incredibly excited for you (and for Dillon!!!) Happy belated Mother’s Day to you! What a lucky dog to have you for a mama!
Sending so much love!!!
Meredith – I love and miss you so!! Happy belated Mother’s Day to you!!
You know how much we love you. We’re so lucky to have so many treasured daughters. You are a talented writer. Dillon is sweet-faced. See ya soon.
Love you too mama Pat!
YAY! Welcome Dillon! You couldn’t have asked for a more loving family to be a part of!!
Thank you Vanessa – can’t wait for you to meet him!
LeeAnn
I so admire your courage in making your life changes. So many people stay stuck in dead-end jobs and marriages that they hate.
I wish you all the best and will be looking for your blogs.
Since I live in the country now (major life change after 25+ years in Savannah) I’m not sure if I will ever meet you in person. Since I live in such a rural area now, my computer is my lifeline to civilization LOL. I look forward to your blog and your happy adventures. 🙂
Thank you LaVerne! I feel as if we have met in person – we have connected on Facebook. I enjoy your positivity!
Papa and I can hardly wait to meet Dillon! We love you!
Love you both mama!
Sooo happy for you. Andrea will be thrilled! She will be home June 2!!
Thank you Pam – can’t wait for you and Andrea to meet him! ❤️
I have missed your blog — welcome back and welcome home to Dillon! What a cutie. xxoo
Thank you Ada-Marie! Xoxoxo
LeeAnn, your blog has brought me to tears and I must say how very eloquently you write and put your thoughts and feeling into words. I am glad you have resumed that part of your life along with taking that “emotional leap” of getting another 4 legged baby. Don’t think about the “probable inevitable” but about all the joy and companionship there will be in your “new” life for many years to come. You are an incredibly strong women who does not feel sorry for herself but does something about the things that aren’t working anymore. Change is always quite frightening and painful, at least for me, but you have had the courage to do what it takes to find that elusive happiness and peace we are all looking for. I have so much admiration and respect for you. I feel I really met you for the very first time when I read your blog a few years ago and knew I liked you and you were someone I could be friends with. I related to so much to what you wrote. Well, this is getting way too long, congratulations my friend with the start of this new chapter in your life. Love and happiness always!! Pam
Thank you sweet Pam – love and happiness right back to you!!
Happy for you!!!!
Dillon looks perfect!!
You know God looks after people that rescue their pets!! Can’t wait to hear the story about his name.
Thanks Brian! : )
LeeAnn, I read this post on Monday while traveling home, in an airport delayed with thunderstorms, and it was such a hoot because I found your blog years ago in the exact same scenario — stuck in an airport waiting for thunderstorms to pass through and I was surfing for good things to read. Since then, I have always stopped whatever I was doing to read one of your blog posts. Beautifully written, but always thought-provoking and meaningful. I love your courage, intelligence, heart, and a strong desire to have fun through it all. Dillon is absolutely adorable and Gracie is happy for you, I’m sure. I am so happy that you will be blogging again!
Robin – hearing from you is like hearing from an old friend! I remember that is how we first connected – how interesting that it is repeated! As always, your words are so meaningful to me and lift me! Hope you and Grace (and the rest of the family) are doing well!
LeeAnn, it is such a pleasure to see this blog post. Recently I found myself wondering whatever happened to you. I remember reading your blogs on a regular basis when I first started blogging. It’s funny how some of the first bloggers I “met” through their blogs have stayed with me. I am sorry to hear of all the changes you have undergone, but sometimes in life change is exactly what we need. I wish you well in finding yourself and what truly makes you happy. & Congrats on the new canine friend. Welcome back!
Hey Amy!! Thank you so much! I need to catch myself up on your blog too!