When I retired at age 55 from the corporate business world, we moved to a small town. There I was hoping to find out who I really was. That was in 1994. We had some very happy times. I became the contented housewife while supporting my husband in his hobbies and activities. We made many new friends and life was pretty wonderful. But then, in 2004 (or so) we learned that my husband, whom I call "Dad" was in the early stages of Alz. What a blow. Since then, I have finally learned who I really am. I don't have to spell it out for any of you. But, the good news is that I am doing a darn good job at being who I am.
Jeannie, I am happy that you were able to see yourself for who you really are. I know what you mean by that, I am finding that I can do things that I didn't think I could do and I think that will change to match the changes that accure with my DH.
I do not think we find out who we really are until put to test. It seems that my life has been full of these types of things and I wish the test would be over and I would be allowed to fail.