Don't Stop Believin'

For four years, you’ve watched me go through many changes in my life including the end of my marriage, my children growing up, and the start of my relationship with Jacques. Hopefully you’ve been entertained and have learned something from watching me navigate some of life’s greatest challenges. Every woman deserves to be loved by a terrific man, and I am so lucky and grateful that I met Jacques. In this episode, Jacques and I are celebrating one year of dating, but I was also celebrating my life, my happiness and my belief that wherever life takes us, if we believe in ourselves, everything will turn out better than we could have imagined.

I was completely surprised when Natalie Cole walked through the studio door! When she sang "Money Can’t Buy You Class" to me, I was blown away. When she said she would sing at my party, I was thrilled and then she offered to sing with me. Sometimes dreams do come true and my excitement was apparent.

I think Ramona’s desire to have another baby is being triggered by Avery getting nearer to leaving home for college. Children grow up and go out on their own and life changes for all of us. It’s how we deal with these changes that make us who we are.

I invited Alex and all the ladies to the party because they’ve watched me go through a lot of transition and I wanted them to celebrate my happiness with Jacques. Besides, I don’t like to exclude any of the girls from my parties regardless of where our relationship is at the moment.

Simon came into Alex’s modeling job with an attitude. I can imagine that his presence didn’t make her or the crew’s job any easier. He should be grateful that Alex was getting paid, instead of disrupting her modeling opportunity.

Sometimes people don’t get along regardless of how much they try. For some reason, Cindy irritates Sonja, and Sonja isn’t willing to let Cindy share her feelings. I admire how Cindy sticks up for her assistant, but I can also see Sonja’s point that she didn’t expect Cindy’s assistant to join them for breakfast, nor did she appreciate Cindy holding a conference call during their meal.

Jacques loves Natalie Cole as much as I do, and it was a really special present to give him after all that he’s given me this past year. Singing about love to Jacques surrounded by my family and friends was one of the best moments of my life.

Ramona forgets that the Statue of Liberty means more to me than my ex’s family presenting it to the U.S. on behalf of France; it is a symbol of freedom and hope, which makes it especially fitting for how I felt that night celebrating my relationship with Jacques!

This season was about new beginnings, and I would be lying if I told you that getting back into dating after my divorce was easy. Opening my heart again to love took a lot of courage, even with a sweetheart like Jacques holding the key. I learned that starting over was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I also learned that my children are resilient and are becoming incredibly talented and sophisticated young adults. What surprised me the most this season was that I could maintain my composure while others descended into chaos around me. Oh, and that camel riding is not for the faint of heart.

Until next season, I wish you well. Remember to try new things and to never stop believing in yourselves! I thank you all for your support, your well wishes and the love you’ve shown me over these four years. Bisous!

To keep up with me during the off-season, you can visit my web page Luanndelesseps.com.