Ben and I welcomed Jackson a few days after his due date in August this past summer. When the PPD hit, we were both prepared for it, and my doctor started me on medications again.
This New Year’s Eve is special. We’re spending it together as a family. We had our own New Year’s Eve party with streamers and party hats. Charlotte helped to decorate and set up the disco ball in our living room. The four of us rang in the New Year early, equipped with last year’s countdown in Times Square. When the ball dropped, Charlotte pulled the string connected to the disco ball, letting it drop to the floor in a shiny heap. I scoop up Jackson while Ben gives Charlotte a bear hug. Her excited giggles are music to my ears.
The kids are now in bed, and Ben and I snuggle on the couch with a bottle of pinot noir. The live stream of Times Square plays in the background as the countdown begins. Only this time, I’m lying in the arms of the love of my life, the father of my children, and my best friend and roommate for life.
Despite it all, I would not change a single thing.
Who knew I had to have my heart broken first to get to where I am today?
If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.
THE END
