One and Done

According to a joint Morehouse and Howard University study, 73% of black women WILL be married at least once by age 35. It's a statistic that most overlook during this whole "poor black women cant find a man" media blitz that seems to plague my generation. It truly does give women hope (now whether they remain married is about the same as the national average... of 61%).

However...

I'm 32.

I'm divorced.


So does this mean I already had my "at least one time"?

Thanksgiving with my family since the divorce has further highlighted that this may be a possibility.  My little cousins, all grown men and women, now have their own families. Some are married. Some are not. Some are with long term partners. Some have "baby daddies"and are doing it solo.

But I was supposed to be the "ideal" one in my family: Educated, Pretty, Career Minded. I had the husband and the big fancy wedding to prove it. I had the house. Family holidays were a no-brainer. We were it. We had it...

Had it...

Now at the almost 3 year divorced mark, I'm faced with the possibility that what I once had..will be the only time I have it. It sounds bleak...but...there is a certain peace at times at the thought.

I can be that cool Aunt/Older Cousin that gives bomb gifts on the holidays, sneaks a kid some wine, and laughs at talks of their first kiss.
I can go to all the recitals and stuff, and even offer to chaperon.
I can be the cool one who haves slumber parties, shopping sprees and "tea" on Saturday w/ my favorites.
I can travel the Globe on the holidays...and not have to worry about if we have the money to pay the rent, if the car will get repossessed,  splitting in between in-laws who don't like me no way, or if he'll really want to spend that day with someone else.
In case of not getting married, Ive made alternative arrangements...from finance to personal.

It all sounds fine and dandy.....

Until...

My little chubby cherub of a 2nd cousin, jumps in my arms and I tickle her and laugh and she decides to whisper an inaudible secret to me, as her chubby chocolate hands grip my face. She runs off and jumps in her father's arms and giggles some more. I see my Uncle sneak his wife a kiss and say something a little naughty....and my Grandmother is there, admiring the generations that she spawned....

And I realize I can't lie to myself... I do want that .I realize that I am here. Not alone but alone for the 3rd year in a row. What should have been wasn't. And while I have made peace with that, it doesn't make it any easier.

I'd love to get married again and possibly have a family. But age, time and (perhaps) race isnt on my side. So..the word "remarriage" and "35" may not go together

Ok..I know I have a ways to go before I am 35...but it isn't that far away.

Could I be a "one and done" girl? Ot should I quit while I'm ahead?


...to be continued.