When I was younger, I always pictured myself living happily ever after, as in stories and movies, but that never happened. It was far from it.

I met Ben Sherwood when I was fifteen. We dated through high school and college. We took the next step and got married. I loved marriage. Then I found out I was pregnant with a little girl, and life couldn't get much better.

Well, until one day, when Kami was around two, Ben came to me and asked for a divorce. Did I ask why? His answer was simple: he fell out of love with me. My world came crashing down around me.

How does one fall out of love with another? I mean, is it possible? I didn't know. It would probably be different if he had cheated or was abusive, but it wasn't like that. He didn't love me as he did.

We tried to keep our divorce civil for Kami. Considering Ben was incredible with her, I didn't want to be that bitter woman who held grudges. On the other hand, I had to deal with the fact that I have been alone since the age of fifteen.

Ben was the only guy I had ever been with when I dated. He was my first kiss, first boyfriend, first time; he was my first everything.

Now, don't get me wrong. I wallowed in self-pity. I mean, who wouldn't? I think I kept Ben and Jerry's in business with all the ice cream I consumed. I watched romantic movies only to have an empty carton of ice cream thrown at it. I was a big freaking mess.

Then it happened. Ben came to pick up Kami one day and wasn't alone. He was with someone and not just anyone. He was with another man. I missed all the signs that my ex was gay.

This idea led me to believe I wasn't good enough and caused my husband to become gay. Yep, that shot my self-esteem through the roof.

Now I'm alone raising my daughter, but I figured I struck out when it came to guys. My friends tried to reassure me that Ben was gay and had nothing to do with me. He was probably already gay way before I found out. That made me feel better, not really.

I decided throwing myself into raising Kami, and work would be best. Skip the dating. Who needs all those problems anyway?

It brings us to the present time.

"Kami?!"

"Yes, Mommy," her little voice yelled.

"Are you ready? Or do you need help," I asked, walking into her room?

"I need help tying my shoe," she said as she struggled to tie her shoe.

I knelt before her, "Okay, let's do this together. Bunny ears, Bunny ears, playing by a tree, crisscrossed the tree, trying to catch me. Bunny ears, Bunny ears, jumped into the hole and popped out the other side beautifully and boldly," I recited as I showed her how to tie her shoe.

Then I had her do the other, and it took a couple of tries, but she got it. She was so proud of herself, and I smiled as I hugged her.

I stood up and held out my hand. Kami placed her little hand in mine, and we left the room. Maybe my marriage didn't work out, but I would never trade Kami for anything.

I grabbed her coat and helped her put it on. When I tried to button it, she said, "I can do it, mommy." I watched her as she clasped her coat. She was so independent of being five and incredibly smart. She was everything to me.

I grabbed my jacket and pulled it on while picking up my purse and keys, then headed out. We were going to see the girls for a playdate.

I opened the back door and helped her inside the car. She buckled herself in, and once she was secure, I closed the door. I got into the driver's side and got in. I pulled out of the driveway and went over to Tara's and Kelly's place so Kami could play with Zoe, who was her age. They also had a teen named Zara.

Tara was Kami's teacher; that's how we became friends. But we didn't just become friends. We became best friends, along with her sister Kara.

It would be nice to have adult time besides watching many episodes of SpongeBob. Don't get me wrong. The little square dude is funny, but you need some adult stimulation when you watch him constantly.

At least I get that for a few hours. I hope.