Once Upon a Butterfly

When I was 20, I moved to Peterborough to start the Massage Therapy program at Sir Sandford Fleming College. I was excited, nervous, and wide open to what this new chapter might hold. Within just a couple of weeks of starting the program, I met someone — and my life took a turn I never could have predicted.

Starting Massage Therapy at Sir Sandford Flemimg with my wall calendar as my daily reminder to stay diciplined

We began dating, and within six weeks, he proposed. Once again, I found myself embracing my butterflies, listening to that fluttery mix of fear and excitement that comes with taking a leap of faith. I went all in on the relationship, even though we had only known each other for such a short time. Thankfully, he was best friends with my twin cousins and had grown up with them, so there was already a foundation of trust that made saying “yes” feel right in that moment.

We got married and built a life together for 15 years. We raised two incredible children — our greatest gifts — and shared many chapters that shaped the woman I am today.

And then, in 2017, I had to embrace my butterflies once again — but this time, in a much harder way. My husbands struggles with alcohol became a part of our story - one that changed the shape of our marriage.

Proof that even in the storm, our little world was still full of light

That season became a defining moment in my life — the moment I realized that courage isn’t only found in the leaps we take when everything feels exciting and new. Sometimes courage is found in the quiet decision to choose a healthier future, even when your heart is breaking.