whybother?

This has been a rather big week. Not only did a dear friend pass away, but I have also started a new job. Those of you who are familiar with my ramblings, you may remember the Claytons saga. Yesterday was my first day. It’s my first ‘graduate’ job. I’ve spent six years completing my degree (part time!), with exactly this position in mind. It’s not for everyone. I’ve been employed as a child protection caseworker, so you can use your imagination. There’s a lot to learn, and I had a lot of questions and concerns that are gradually being addressed. It’s also been a turbulent year in general, with various other things going on. I’m coming to a point, slowly.

Now, stay with me. My mother was married to my father for 23 years. It was largely an unhappy marriage, bordering, at times, on the miserable. She left him about 13 years ago, and quickly met a ‘new’ man. She has been with him up until earlier this year, at which point things were pretty bad and they agreed to go their separate ways. With that, and a few other things that were going on for her at that time, she fell into a really deep depression. Understandable. She finally sought medical treatment and has been back on track for a few months now. Around this time, she met a lovely guy. A really, really, genuinely lovely guy. I met him for the first time around a month ago, and he’s great. I’m really happy for her. Really. A couple of weeks ago, he asked her to move in with him. That was really exciting, and I shared her happiness. She deserves to be happy, as do all of us. She’s had a lot of ups and downs, and is a good person with a generous heart. So far, so good.

Now, back to my ‘big’ week. I promise you, there is a point to this, and it’s coming up really soon. I spoke to Mum earlier, and she expressed a desire to call in and see us. No problem. The fella was attending a meeting, my fella was at work, it was just us girls. I was cooking dinner, Mollie was running around doing her thing, all was well….then the bomb dropped. Mum leans over and whispers (so Mollie doesn’t hear, although, who’s kidding who? As soon as you whisper their little radars go up!) "D wants me to marry him". *Chokes* Pardon? The statement is repeated.

Hmmmm….let’s see. Just to recap. Failed marriage. Failed marriage-like relationship. Brand new, sparkling relationship….marriage? I really don’t mean to sound like a selfish, whiny child, but FOR FUCK’S SAKE PEOPLE! I’m pretty open minded. Really. I’m not naive. I’m not stupid. I don’t mind if they move in together. I don’t mind if they don’t. Whatever makes her happy. But marriage? So soon? What do other people think?