For the first time in 3.5 years, I got to celebrate a holiday without drama. No rushing home from work wondering what state he was in. No explaining to my family why he wasn’t there because he already drank all the “cookout” beers by 2pm. No dealing with angry, slurred words for going to said cookouts without him. I knew in my heart how much he was ruining all my holidays, but didn’t really appreciate it until right now, at 11pm, when I got to work, see my family, and walk to the fireworks, and I’ve only had one beer. No one was drunk. It’s been kind of magical.

I do hope he’s safe, wherever he is tonight. But I’ll be honest, I’m glad it’s not with me.

I hope all of you here had a safe and sane holiday too.