Kimberly Conte

There is something wonderful about feeling good in your own skin. It took a very long time to get there but in 2020 at the age of 53 it finally happened. Within 9 days I signed my divorce papers, sold my home and lost my job. YIKES!! God just ripped off the band aide and sent me on my way. I did not fall. I did not quit. I stumbled but came out of it with a sense of strength I didn't know I had. For the first time in my life, it was me and my daughter.

Through the last 4 years I have found and reconnected with some wonderful women. This is new to me as I have always had a difficult time maintaining friendships. Suddenly I had people who knew my story and supported me through the process of rebuilding. In turn, quietly did the same for others. Too many of us mask how our lives are afraid of disappoint and failure. We grow up with a twisted idea of what success is. Now I feel like my clock has been reset with new purpose.

Admittedly so I have bills to pay, and kids to spoil. But my mom, who has also had to reinvent her life deserves a break. Ater being my dad's sole care giver through his kidney failure she has struggled to make ends meet. She lost so much when he retired but has taken it all with grace. I want to spoil her the way my mom spoiled her mother. The rest will be saved. I currently have very little retirement savings. I need a nest egg.