After almost twelve years in one place, we moved to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere in another state, a two days drive from our place.

A state that is gorgeous no matter where you live, I discovered that. If your house didn't have a view, take five steps outside of your house and there is a view. We were surrounded by gorgeous mountains. The views were amazing. I loved this small town in the middle of nowhere.

After searching for a job, I risked things and applied to be a housekeeper at the hospital. I got the job. I had never done this work before but the kids were in school so I needed something to do, so I got a job. It was full time with benefits. I was contributing money for the first time since we got married.

I spent the next three years working forty hour weeks in my little world. My kids were growing and going to school and making friends and so was my husband. We were living our lives.

Ed made friends with the neighbor guy. His name was Jim. He was cool to hang out with but his girlfriend... was not! She drank all the time and was always drunk. Seriously. But this story isn't about her... so we must move on.

Ed and Jim hung out, fixed their cars, played video games and began drinking nightly, together. I worked late nights so I wasn't around. I wasn't available all the time so Ed found someone to talk to and joke around with.

At first, I was thrilled that he was making friends since we just moved... I tried not to feel left out. Everything we used to do together.. Slowly ended. We began having separate lives.

Work began to get interesting. I met a few great people. Nurses that I saw once in a while and we had our own jokes and conversations. I was becoming comfortable with my job, the people and I got respect from them as a housekeeper. I was good at my job and proud to do it.

The more I worked, the more Ed partied with Jim. The less I was home. I stopped engaging and he stopped talking.