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.
Peace to you.
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Almost a year ago I posted a comment telling you and your readers how thankful I am for sharing the idea of the December Daily, since my spouse suffered a serious heart attack on Jan. 2nd, 2011. The DD was our last journal as a "whole" family. Now, a year afterwards, my spouse is still alive but he and me and the kids have to deal with the severe consequences of the heart attack, like him sitting in a wheelchair and being NOT the one he was before Jan. 2nd. I know, that the upcoming year I might face decisions which I thought I never would have to make, but I also know: I CAN DO THIS! For the sake of my kids and of course, for me and NOT feeling guilty. I have been thinking a lot about women and their strength, in the past, now, in the future, realizing that I have become one of those women.
I am sending you all my strength, thoughts and prayers for all the challenges you will have to face and knowing, you can do this. Susi
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kia kaha ali, simon and anna
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Like many others above Ali, I too sensed something was changing for you. BIG HUGS to you, Simon and Anna and stay as sweet as you are. I'm thinking of you all. xxx
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My divorce was by far, one of the most difficult things I have gone through. But choosing to go through it with respect, grace, and positive energy was something that I focused on. Wishing you peace and grace.
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Dear Heavenly Father, please watch over this family as they are going through a rough patch in their lives. Help Ali and Chris to continue to be nurturing parents for their children and to treat each other with respect. Watch over Simon and Anna as they also go through the confusion that divorce can bring to their lives. Help them both to adjust to their new normal and to know that they are still deeply loved by both of their parents. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
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So sorry to hear this Ali. I wish you and your family all the best at this difficult time; I'm sure you have the strength to get through this but it must be tough for you all. Know that you have many friends out here on the world wide web :)
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Hi Ali,
I am sorry to hear about that. As i folllowed your blog for a long time since i had interested to scrapbook but i haven't started yet. I've just kept doing your advice and your spirit to take a picture a day for my journal. I don't know what the reason is, but anyway I know you are very strong woman & fully understand what you are doing now. Wishing you all the best & Happy holiday!!!
Ricka
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You are such an inspiration to so many of us, and this difficult post is written with such grace. I wish nothing but peace for you during this season of life. My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Ali, when times get tough or tougher and you need some strength,
come back to read the outpouring of love in these posts. You have touched so many lives. Let all of those lives come back to touch yours! With tears in my eyes, Love Pat
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Wishing you and yours peace, love, and light during the holiday season and your story ahead...
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I will pray that God's love will surround you and your family and you will feel His closeness during this difficult time.
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I pray that God will hold you in the palm of his hands and bring you comfort and abiding peace.
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I am so sorry Ali. Having gone through one myself, I know how painful they can be. Praying for you, Simon and Anna as you all adjust to this new chapter in your lives.
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Ali, you are a true inspiration to many of us! You are an amazing woman and an amazing mother!
All the love and strength and peace and joy to you and your family!
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Ali I'm not sure what to say. Sorry doesn't seem right, good luck and chin up (and everything like it) seems trite and silly.
I wish you peace. I wish you hope. I wish you love, laughter and happiness. I wish you strength and enough quiet times for moments o weakness (that we all have no matter our situation).
I hope you know how much light you bring to our lives. You're not just some lady on the Internet who takes pretty photographs (although you are that too ;)) you're family to us.
We're here if you need us. We love you xxx
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I said a prayer for you today!
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I'm so sorry to hear that Ali. I want to send you, Simon & Anna good tidings & great joy this Christmas season. Praying you find a peaceful heart very soon because you are truly a beautiful person, inside & out. You have blessed all of your followers at some point or another & you may not even be aware of it. Thank you for that & thank you for sharing your intimate life with us. We are all here for you & we all love you!
Merry Christmas Ali, Simon & Anna!
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Oh Ali, I'm so sorry to read this is happening to you and your family. What a bittersweet Christmas this year... I hope you and the kids will adapt quickly to this new chapter of your lives. May 2012 bring you happiness and new opportunities.
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Ali,
I haven't walked your path, but I have had my own heartaches & losses. I can tell you it won't always hurt like it does right now. This too shall pass... And while nothing will ever be the same again, that doesn't mean that it won't be good - it might even be better. Praying for your family.
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Ali,
I'm wishing the best for you during this difficult time. You all are in my thoughts and prayer. I'm praying for your continued strength and grace. Give hugs to Anna and Simon! Take care!
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Dearest Ali, I've known you now for years.. met you in person at one of my first CKU in Kansas City many years ago, when u are just hitting the big time.... so to speak. I've read your blog and read about you for years, and to hear this makes me sad, but I too divorced my first hubby and now am happily married to my 2nd. I am praying for you, for Chris, for your children. For all of you.. your parents as well. It's never easy on anyone. Divorce effects everyone. I will be praying for you all. I know some days can be hard, and it's best then to lean on the ppl that love and support you. Never feel alone. Never. There are so many of us that love and adore you. Your children will get thru this. They will. Mine did.. they did..and back then, I was so so worried about them.. and at times, I felt I wouldn't survive.. but we all did.. and we all now hv strong beautiful relationships with ea other. Just remember to always put the needs of your children first... they love both of you. xo love and hugs to you Ali.. thks for being brave to share this with all of us. You are a special person.. don't ever doubt that for a second. xo
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I have always loved that you really try to find the positive in the every day, so I know you will continue to move forward with this challenge in your life. You inspire so many of us in our creatvity and your love for life and your children will give you the courage to move through the next phase and this adjustment. Know that you are loved, that we're thinking of you during this difficult journey for you & your family. Wishing you peace during the holiday season.
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Sending lots of LOVE your way!
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Ali, I am so sorry to hear about you and Chris and that you have to deal with this in a public forum. You are an amazing and and gifted "loving life and storytelling" artist. I receive so much inspiration from you. I also wanted to share a resource with you below if there is even a sliver of hope. I've read some amazing stories about people who are even further down the path that you are.
http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5846045/k.8C0A/Weekend_to_Remember__Marriage_Getaway.htm
I am also divorced-totally shocked and my then husband refused to go to counseling, etc. We didn't have kids and I know it's much harder when you do. I am now remarried with a precious little boy who is in second grade and have so many more gifts and treasured friends in my life and a much deeper relationship with my second husband. Not that I was interested in dating after my divorce, at least right away, but the Motown song, "Too Many Fish in the Sea" always cheered me up along with a song from the Disney movie "Pete's Dragon", a "Candle on the Water" by Helen Reddy. This song reminded me of cherished friends and family that were standing by my side during this dificult process.
I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up you'll have somewhere to turn
I'll be your candle on the water
'Till ev'ry wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light
A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air
Lighted by a prayer
I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow
I'll never let you go
I'll never let you go
I'll never let you go...
Blessings and peace to you!
Carol
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