Forevermore

Middle and Later life

Skipping ahead 10 years, Xander and Ashley are now in middle adulthood aged 45. 

Now that their children are older and more independent, they decide to take on more responsibility at their places of work. Much like many of his fellow Canadians, Xander has no plans for retirement and will work as long as his body and voice lets him. The nature of Xander's career allows him to do so. Because Xander had put his singing career on the back burner due to fatherhood, he's now ready for a comeback. He hopes to start touring again and attending music awards and events. Ultimately he wants to continue to inspire and connect with people as he is sharing a part of who he is and will always be. 

Ashley hopes to retire before the age of 65. Although her job has been fulfilling, she would like to have time to relax and explore the world around her. Since the introduction of pension plans implemented by industrial societies of the past, it does entice the idea of retirement. However, she feels no rush to do so as she knows her line of work is important. Prior to having children and getting married she had the intent of living on the top floor of her business to which only she had access to. That way she would get to know the children who are referred to her centre. Her social work company takes in displaced children acting as temporary caregivers until it is safe for them to return home. Since having children she had hired additional nanny's to take care of the children as well as trusting her assistant to take care of the work that needed immediate attention. 

Now that her children are older she intends to return to work more frequently to be more involved in the process. Instead of working every other day she'd work everyday while the children attend school and would be home to greet them. Xander and Ashley were only able to come to this decision because of them examining the dreams they had for themselves. Due to the changes in circumstances they knew they would have to plan a new life structure for themselves as they age reflecting the Orderly Change Model; A theory of aging. 

After informing the children in the change of dynamics, there was a mixture of excitement and sadness. Their father was going to be a superstar and their mother was c hanging children's lives. However, that meant seeing less of one of the parents. 

After announcing the news to Xander's fans, he got started right away and flew back to California for his comeback after 13 years. Xander does not plan to abandon his family. Although they may not see him often, they hear him on the radio, see him on TV, regularly video call, and he plans to fly them out to see a few of his concerts. In addition, booked off major holidays and has a long break every other month. 

Back at home, when the twins have off days while Amber-lee is at school, they go to work with Ashley and socialize with the kids living there. On top of caring for her kids, Ashley responds to her duty as apart of the sandwich generation. After paying off her parents debt, she moves them into a house within her neighborhood. This way she can take care of them easier, especially when she must take them to appointments or just to ensure all is well. 

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10 years later Xander is content with all he has accomplished during his career and is ready to officially retire despite his initial thoughts. He cannot wait to spend more time with his wife and family. Even though their children have left the home, they are happy that they will see both parents together more often. Their family is once again complete and a strong support system is reestablished. 

Ashley chooses this time to retire as well due to minor health concerns. She developed slight carpal tunnel in her hands. Her body is letting her know that her time is up and relaxation should begin. This unfortunate event has led to a positive outcome. The couple can now focus on their relationship as this is the most amount of time they have spent together in a few years. Since they had time away from one another, it seems as if they have matured even more. 

Their conversations are more existentialist and concerned with whether or not they are satisfied with the life they have lived as a married couple. They both appreciated the fact that the other allowed them to pursue their dreams and not hold them back based on traditional roles and expectations. When one wanted the other to listen, they were heard and respected. 

Their connections ran so deep that they knew how the other was feeling and what they needed solely based on body language. Only a couple with true understanding can achieve such a thing. They believe they have achieved consummate love and could not have wished for a better partner. Years pass and the couple grows older. Each of their children are married and they are grandparents of 7. 

Unfortunately at the ripe age 65 Xander passes away. On the way home, bringing flowers for Ashley on their anniversary, he is hit by a drunk driver. Grief is felt all throughout the family at its suddenness. However, none will understand the depth of Ashley's pain. Not only had he been taken away so suddenly but on their anniversary nonetheless. 

The family enters a period of mourning, reminiscing about the loving husband, father and grandfather. Although Ashley will miss him dearly, she is relieved in the fact that Xander often expressed to her that he had no regrets. He was satisfied with the life he lived. 

Much time has elapsed since Xanders passing and the family makes a full recovery. To keep his spirit alive, they still celebrate his birthday and continue traditions he started-camping on every full moon, having Korean Sundays where the food and language is Korean, family game nights, and barbecues on the last day of every month. 

Ashley decided not follow the sizable portion of widows who choose remarriage. Instead she would remain single like many others (Ouellet, 2011). She knew she could never find anyone she connected to as much as Xander.  Widowers typically end up divorcing within 7 years of marriage anyways(Ouellet, 2011). Ashley does not believe she has that amount of time left to waste. 

2 more years pass and Ashley is finally reunited with Xander. She passed away peacefully in her sleep due to old age. Although their story may be finished it is kept alive through stories told around the dinner table, camp fires, and bedtime stories.