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.
What courage to put this out there for all to see! I pray for continued strength, courage and grace for you and your family, and most of all peace.
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Wishing you peace and continued strength.
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I am so sorry that you are going through such difficult times right now. I also want to thank you for sharing your story. I am experiencing a troubled time in my marriage right now. Not only is it very hard to talk about, but I feel so isolated. I don't have anyone I'm particularly close with who has gone through a divorce. Thank you for being brave and sharing.
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Love and hugs to all of you. Thank you for always being real and sharing the good with the bad.
Jen
Longtime reader
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Seven years ago this month, I had the same experience. It was hard. But there is light. It will get easier and you will survive. You are a strong, inspiring, amazing woman and MOM. I wish you love, patience, acceptance and strength during these difficult times. All my love.
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Peace to you and the children, Ali. Know that you are loved beyond measure.
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Ali, may God bring you love and peace, from your extended family and friends, during this difficult time. As other have commented, you are loved and we wish the best for you.
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It takes a lot of courage and strength to write those words but more importantly to live with this new change. I wish you (Simon, Anna and Chris) peace, light, and love.
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Wishing you and your family a peaceful, happy Christmas. You will now begin new traditions which your children will carry with them as they go forward. Be good to yourself.
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Ali - I had started to compose an e-mail/comment to you a few days ago but when I started crying and realized, "hmmmm...this MIGHT be a little weird to be crying about someone you don't actually personally *know*" -grin-, so I decided against sending it. Your life has touched a chord with me and many other women and people around the globe. As a woman. As a mom (2 boys: 7 & just 4). As a scrapbooker. As a person of similar age (I'm 36). As an active person (I run & workout & history of a competitive sport in college). THANK YOU FOR BEING REAL. Thank you if you read all 500+ of these comments (which I'm fairly certain will double soon). So, I wish you PEACE and TRUE JOY always, but especially this season. And my prayer going forward for you, Anna & Simon is a family and home full of love and a whole heart.
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What an emotional experience reading all the comments. I too am a reader and not a blogger but wanted to say thank you for sharing this story. Telling life stories is something I have learned from you. Yes, some stories, are better left alone but the insight we gain from other people's experiences is so helpful. So thank you for showing how one goes through a new door with a positive attitude and can do approach.
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It was literally just a few days ago when I had a, "where has Chris been" thought float through my head. I actually went back through your older posts, looking for something that told me that all was well and I was reading into things. I'm so heartbroken to read your note. I have followed your blog for years and reference your work frequently so this latest news hits home, like it's happening to a good friend. I am very sorry about your current circumstances and pray especially for your dear children, who will bear the greatest burden from such changes. However, I will also pray for you as you enter this new phase of life and hope that the future will be much brighter. XXOO
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You are a strong, beautiful woman. It's not just outward but also inner strength and beauty. This is of great worth.
Thank you for posting the Desiderata the other day. By sharing what has encouraged you, you have encouraged others.
Thank you for the way that you continue to give and bless others.
Thinking of you.
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My mother was twice divorced when I was growing up and as an adult, I've ALWAYS considered it a blessing to our family. It doesn't make sense to "stay together for the kids" when really, what is best is to demonstrate love, kindness, and humility. These qualities are difficult to come by with parents who are not in love anymore. You ABSOLUTELY will create a positive outcome and the best thing you can do for your children is to take care of your own well-being (as Chris should take care of his). I hope you can enjoy a peaceful, love-filled holiday :-)
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You are in my thoughts and prayers Ali. I know that you will all come through this stronger, and I wish you peace and happiness for your future and that of your family.
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You are a strong woman Ali. I'm sure that you & the kids will thrive as you build on the foundation of your new normal.
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OMG, Ali. I am so sorry to hear that. I am sure that doesn't make the.holidays any easier. I sent you and your family my prayers and thoughts. I hope you can move forward with a deep breath and a new view on things. Xo
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Ali - you can do this - I did and I am better for it. This summer my "new" husband and I will celebrate 8 years of marriage and two beautiful children. We are all in this together. Prayers for you and the kids and for Chris. My parents were a wonderful blessing during this time and I know yours will be too. Lean on your family and accept help from others.
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Hang in there. I've been there, and I can promise that it gets better.
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Ali, I've read your blog for a long time, and although I don't know you, you let us all feel like we do. My heart was thumping as I read this post. You show so much grace on your blog, through your writing, scrapbooking, inspiration and parenting, and I know you will get through this tough time, no matter how hard, in your own thoughtful, compassionate way. Sending good thoughts to you and your family.
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Ali,
You are an amazing person, mother and teacher. I had the chance to attend one of your classes in Provo and learned much more than scrapbooking from you. You have been so kind to always share your story. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this next stepping stone in your life experience.
Do not fear the winds of adversity.
Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it
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I so enjoy reading your blog and following along with all your wonderful projects and actually teared up when reading this post. Strange, since we do not know each other, but someone who has been divorced, I get it. I can say that although divorce is never easy, it can be accomplished amicably. You can still maintain a healthy relationship to continue being wonderful parents to your children. I've been through it, I pray others never have to, but I promise, it will be ok.
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Life can be sad, cruel, empty sometimes. I've been going through a lot in my (short) life but oh my! It can be so surprising! So full of love! So good! I know that life will be brighter for you soon, you're a beautiful person, in and out, and new things will come your way. I'm thinking of you and sending you LOTS of warm hugs and smiles and sunshines.
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Ali, I am so sorry. I just wanted to offer you a great big HUG.
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I remember being sad but more content when my own parents divorced when I was a child. I could tell they weren't happy together and growing apart. They were better on their own and later found what they were truly meant to do and found partners that made them happy again. Although divorce is not looked at positively, there is goodness that will come out of this. It'll take time and a lot of support but the next chapter will be exciting...a new adventure for everyone. The goodness that came from my parents divorce was the relationship I have with my brother. We clung to each other. We often shared a bed because he was younger and having a harder time dealing with the seperation and didn't want to be alone. Now as adults, we are close and I wouldn't give that up for anything. I have a strong relationship with my dad...really, he's my best friend (my mother was the one that decided to leave) but we're on good terms now as well. I hope that this transition will go smoothly for you and the kids. Thank you for sharing your truth.Merry Christmas Ali.
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