I was only seventeen and didn’t know it then, but the day I decided to move to the Town of High Level was the day my life quietly shifted. It began with a simple longing—to be near an older sister—and a sense deep inside that something was waiting for me there. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was a soft pull, almost like God whispering, Go. This is your next step. Yet I never knew God existed at this point.
Before packing my bags, I phoned the Esso Café to ask about a waitress job. The manager spoke with me for only a few minutes before offering me the position. Then she mentioned a kind couple who had a bedroom for rent. It felt as though every door opened before I even reached it. Looking back, I can see how gently God was arranging the pieces.
When I arrived in High Level, the town felt small but quietly full of promise. I settled into my rented room, started my new job, and tried to find my rhythm. And then—almost unexpectedly—I met the man who would become my husband.
Our meeting wasn’t polished or perfect. It was lively, unexpected, and wonderfully chaotic. We fell into each other’s lives like two people who had been running toward the same future without knowing it. The adventure that followed was messy, beautiful, and full of moments that shaped us both.
Only later did I realize how much God had been guiding me long before I truly knew Him. Becoming a born‑again Christian before my marriage didn’t just change my life—it opened my eyes. It marked the beginning of a journey of faith that carried me through every season that followed. A journey where I learned that God had been leading me step by step, even when I didn’t yet recognize His voice.
The Choice That Changed My Path
Looking back, I can see how quickly I used to fall into relationships. I would meet a good‑looking man, feel that spark, and jump in before truly knowing who he was. Loneliness can make poor decisions feel like love, and I learned that lesson more than once.
After my divorce, fear settled in. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake or put my children through any more heartache. I told myself, No more pain. No more chaos. Not again.
Being single has its lonely moments, but it is still better than choosing the wrong relationship. And even on the quiet days, I know I’m not truly alone.
Now I live in an independent senior home, and I genuinely enjoy it. There are many wonderful seniors here, and I never have to look far for someone to talk to or share a laugh with.
By the summer of 2026, I plan to move into a building close by—one where cooking and cleaning are taken care of. It will give me a slower, easier lifestyle, something I’ve earned after all these years.
And the best part? There will be even more activities to keep me busy, connected, and enjoying this new chapter of my life.