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 Fleming with my wall calendar

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 the following year 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 2016, 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 family was full of smiles

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.