The Evolution Of My Story
It's always been my goal to authentically share my story both in my scrapbooks and in this online space.
To me that means addressing the good, the bad, the beautiful, the successes, the challenges - the very real pieces of my life.
As many of you have noticed, and some have commented and emailed, Chris has been mostly absent for some time from the stories and photos. He has decided that he wants something different with his life and we are in the process of getting a divorce.
Chris continues to maintain an active role in the kid's lives.
There is nothing easy about this.
It's very hard and very stressful and very sad.
And yet, the story continues for all of us. For him and me. For the kids and me. For him and the kids. And there are many, many things I have to be thankful for in my life.
I've always maintained, and taught in my workshops, that not all stories need to be told.
But here, in this space, it's important to me that there's a general awareness of this change. This will allow me to more authentically share my story going forward.
A few months ago I asked for your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. I'd humbly ask for your continued kindness as this specific chapter closes and new ones begin.
As you consider leaving a comment I would also humbly ask that you focus on something positive, compassionate and/or uplifting. Our heartfelt intent is to maintain a positive relationship as we move forward in our lives.
Wishing all of you, especially any of you who may be experiencing something similar within your own family, peace during the Christmas season.
You are truly special. Thinking and praying for you ALL during this difficult transition. You are brave and positive and so true. I know you will approach this with the same class and positive spirit we all see from you daily. All the best to you, Ali. I hope you will all find peace and happiness.....squeeze those kids; they are the best of you both!
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Ali--your post brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate you being willing to share this--your honesty is one of the many reasons I have followed you since Simon was 3. I really feel like I know you and your little family. Just remember to accept help, realize you are so much stronger than you know, you and Chris can raise these kids without being mean to each other (my parents divorced when i was 8 and they never ever said anything negative about each other and I was sooo thankful for that as a child), things will get better and it won't be so hard and you will be happy again. You will. Much love and prayers heading your way...
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Hey Ali, I'm a long, long time reader of your blog and just wanted to send positive thoughts your way.
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Ali,
While I will only be able to echo the other comments, I still wanted to add my own comment so you could see how many people you affect every day. In a incredibly positive (yet real) and inspirational way, you have made a difference in all of our lives. Hang in there.
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Ali, this is sad news, but thank you for sharing it with us. You are an inspiration for truth, authenticity and integrity. I know it does not seem like anything good is coming from this, but take my word for it-—from personal experience—-the best part of your life is yet to come and will grow from this. My prayers are with you, wishing you peace this beautiful season. Christmas 1983 was such a season for me, and right now, I am happier than I've ever been in my life! Just stay focused on what, ultimately, are the most important aspects of your life. You know them.
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The best thing I can tell you is to remember that when one door closes another one always opens...you just have to be willing to look for the open door...sometimes it's easy to over look it when your going through a rough time. Try to make an effort to wake up everyday and smile. Get your day off to a good start and everything else will fall into place. Sending hugs to you and your family. I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas :)
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Ali, I am so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us on your blog. I will be praying for you, the children and Chris as you transition through this difficult time.
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Ali...I wondered. I'm sorry seems sort of flat to say, but truly, I sorrow with you. I just want you to know how much you are loved, and that we are cheering you on. You all are in my prayers. May blessings and joy be with you, and peace. Walking with you as you step out on this new journey...((((hugs))))
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Change is so scary, but it in the end, it always bears such juicy fruits. You are going to rock this new chapter of your life. xo
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i have admired your work and your character for years, and i'm sad that you are going through this. but i also think simon and anna have a fabulous mom who will continue to give them a life filled with love and meaning.
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Although it has been somewhat obvious, I have just been amazed at how balanced and respectful, you have been through this. Not only here on your blog but in the OLW classroom. You have taught me an invaluable lesson about when to share and when to request privacy. You're posts and classes the last few months have been full of dignity ... and although they have also had an under-current of sorrow, it has been a sorrow that is focused on looking out and up. I thank you for that example.
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I leave you with the words from a current favorite song of mine by Shinedown....sometimes goodbye is a second chance. Good wishes for you through the holidays and beyond.
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Just wanted to add that I appreciate your openness as painful as it must be. God provides just what you'll need, one day at a time. Lean on Him. I feel for you as if I've known you personally these past years and will pray for you and yours.
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Remember, when one door closes, God always finds a way to open a beautiful window. Laugh, pray, cry and enjoy life! God bless you and your family on your new journey.
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You are an amazing woman! It takes guts to put yourself out there in the blogasphere. It takes even more to post your trials and tribulations for everyone to see, examine and judge. But you do it everyday, regardless. THAT makes you STRONG and POWERFUL. That spirit is what will get you through this. Even if right now you don't think you can or aren't that powerful. YOU CAN DO THIS! All 4 of you are in my prayers. And thank you for keepn' it real, it is why we all love you.
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Your outlook, philosophy of life and attitude are a tremendous example to your children. They will grow stronger because of your strength, find joy because of your willingness to allow it even when you are hurting. Bless you as you move forward and make new memories in a different way this holiday season. And thank you for your honesty and for all the creativity you share and inspiration you give so generously.
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Ali-I wish you and your family PEACE this holiday season. Thanks for being an honest and truthful person. Please know that I have been prayer for you. Sincerely, Colleen
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what a gracious way to look at such a hard change. will add you to my prayers, may the next story be beautiful!
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Dear Ali,
My heart is aching for you. You are an amazing, beautiful, authentic and insanely talented woman. I will pray for grace and strength and you travel down this challenging path. Wish I could give you a hug...
Katie
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I'm so sorry to hear this news, Ali, and I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you. Also, it must have been so very hard to write this post, but I'm so glad that you did. You will have the thoughts and prayers of many as a result.
You are brave and wonderful, Ali. Keep your chin up! Things WILL get better!!!
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I don't know what to say except that I am thinking of you and praying for you. You've given the world so much and were instrumental in me falling in love with the craft of scrapbooking and storytelling. Keep on giving beauty, so many of us appreciate your wonderful efforts.
Thank you for being real and transparent with your readers. You are a gem.
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Hugs and Prayers for you all. Stellar example of how to react and respond in such an overwhelming time. I had a terrible last year myself. Staying positive and focused and surronding myself with the same type of people made the journey of new experiences easier. xoxo
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Most of this year I have spent in your situation. But I'm very happy to say that my situation won't be ending with a divorce. We've come to realize that what we have together today, will be better than what we had in the past. I'm hoping that made some sense. My husband has never been a church goer, but Jesus still answered my prayers by helping him. I'll a add a prayer that He sees you through this, too. P.S. You are always an inspiration to me. Thank you.
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It's funny because his absence has been noticed..when someone has a blog that shows all family members and suddenly, one is not around as much..suspicions arise. I'm so sorry that this is happening to you and your family..but with every one of my friends where this has happened..including myself..a more fulfilling life is around the corner. My first marriage ended leaving me spinning and wondering about my future..well my future was already in place when I met my second husband and we had two amazing hooligans..something so much better was waiting for me. My friends have had better not worse life experiences after the end of a marriage that clearly wasn't working. We're here for you Ali. We've got your back..we'll rally around you and hold you up! You're all in my prayers..Now, I'm going to act like your Mother: Ali, you're 1)Smart 2)Gorgeous 3)Sweet 4)Good 5)Creative 6)Loving...the list goes on Sister. On to bigger and better things. On to an authentic life with only LOVE surrounding you and your fantastic children! xoxo
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ali, you have been on my heart and in my prayers for the last few months. you are loved and treasured by so many. thank you for letting us into your life so we can support you. love to you.
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