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.
oh Ali - I'm so sad for what you are all going through. . .sending you and the kids a big hug. . .I admire your honesty and your bravery. . .you are truly inspiring in so many ways.
hillary
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Ali, I wanted to express my sadness of the loss of your marriage, but in what you've shared of your life with us all these years I see you as a strong, successful women, with the love of friends and family surrounding you. As well, you and Chris have done an amazing job raising these two wonderful children, and whether you are together under one roof or not, the values, the love and the happiness you share with them will always be there, and for that they will get through this being okay. I just want you to move forward with clarity, more successes, and the love of those so important to you. Thank you as always for keeping it real with us. Merry Christmas :)
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Your family is going through something difficult but you have an amazing attitude which will benefit all of you. Remember that you all will feel a range of emotions but keep strong as a positive relationship will be best in the long run. I bet 2012 will be the best year ever!!!
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Ali, know that you are loved.
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Ali, know that you are loved.You are one classy gal.
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I have had a feeling but of course as others said..your personal life..my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..Angels really watch over amazing people like you!! Wishing you a season of peace and happiness. Those kids are the most important things to protect through this. Thinking of you, Paula
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I am holding you and your family in loving awareness.
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BTDT, Ali, and to say that it's horrific sounds so cliche... but it's true. I am so proud of your bravery as you work to bring your family through this. HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH. I still feel the pain even 14 years later, but it you do truly come to see the proverbial silver linings as time moves forward. <3 Blessings to you.
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Continued prayers to uplift and strengthen you! And, prayer for Chris for whatever reason that his heart has turned.
You are beautiful and loved, a treasure. You tube the song "Beautiful" by MercyMe...I crank this song up while riding down the long stretch of WNC road towards Atlantic. The song and understanding the MOST perfect love takes my feet off the ground and I soar with the knowledge that this love. I have felt uplifting prayer before in times of great struggle (illness of family, mother with Alzheimers, etc.) and truly I was carried through these times. love...
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towards....Atlanta...=)
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Ali---
I don't know you, but I will honestly say that the past few days I've felt God leading me to pray for you. I know that sounds wacky and weird and from someone you don't know, totally bizarre. BUT...I have just begun faithfully following your blog again this past month (after 6 very busy months of my life.) I noticed that Chris wasn't in the stories, photos, etc and that you're parents seemed in more than normal. You are strong and courageous for sharing such a hard thing with your readers, but we thank you for authenticity. I will continue to send prayers from Texas and I highly recommend that you seek out a Bible Study in the Spring. There are daytime ones in most places and I know that God would bless you for it. If you don't have time to go to one I HIGHLY recommend One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. It's about journeying to the Promised Land that God has set aside for you. You can find her workbooks and download videos at www.lifeway.com
God's Blessings and Abundant Peace during your Christmas Season!
Angela Moore
Houston, TX
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Divorce is never easy; even when you know that it is the right thing for both persons. At least it was for me.
I felt like such a failure and I grieved for a while over the lost dreams and unfulfilled prmises. But after that I met and married my true love and when I look back I can see that I had to go thru all that in order to grow and have my heart ready for what was next.
I know right now this is the last thing in your mind but be kind to your self, grieve, cry if you have to but get up everyday and know that wonderful things await for you.
May god bless you with acceptance, peace and hope for a wonderful future.
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I'm so sorry that you are going through this. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Thank you for your honesty. You don't need to share this with us, but you chose to be as open and honest with this as you are with everything else. My heart aches for you. I too have been in your shoes. It does get easier....you just need to get through the hard times first. May God bless you and your family at this holiday time and through the rest of the year.
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My heart is heavy for you, yes, but I know that you will own this part of your story and teach us along the way. And we, your readers, your friends, will lift you up. Let this space be your soft place to land because we love you and Simon and Anna and all that you have given us..with our whole hearts. XxoO.
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I am so very sorry. Hoping you find peace through all this with your two beautiful children and your loving, supporting family.
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While I certainly don't know you in person, following your blog I have come to the conclusion that you have cultivated a self of grace, strength, resilience and optimism. Those traits are apparent in your posts, your layouts and your photographs. As many have noted, your words/posts have often been a source of inspiration to me. I hope you find comfort and space as you and your family move through this overwhelming change.
I just read an interesting, brief piece on change in a parenting newsletter I get. Here is the link if you like: http://www.mentoringboys.com/newsletter/2011/Transitions_Dec2011.pdf.
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Ali, I am so sorry for the difficult time you and your family are going through right now. I have followed your blog for years, and I admire your strength and honesty. Know that you are an amazing woman and mom, and that there will be better times ahead. Draw on the love of your children and supportive friends to help you through. Sending you hugs and prayers.
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Ali - I have followed you for years...taken classes etc and I sensed the change before it was ever shared. I have even prayed for you and not known really why. Just knowing that it is the right thing to do even though you do not know me. Having been through this, my heart aches for you. Your children and your family will and your chuch will be your center. God Bless you....from Savannah,GA.
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Sending up prayers for your family.
<3
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Ali
you are the epitome of grace and i can only tell you from experience that it does get better... my very best for you and the kids and your entire family as you move thru this transition...
melissa
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Sending prayers for you and your family. Wishing you peace and happiness as you move forward. Hugs!
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Like many others have said, I feel as I know you. When my own son was diagnosed w/autism, I thought immediately of Simon and you and thought, "We can still be happy." So, to hear this, I feel sad but I know you can and will be happy. I know everything will be easier to bear with time. For now, breathe, allow yourself to feel sad if you need to, and know that there are prayers being sent to you and your family. Merry Christmas and may 2012 bring you peace and happiness.
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Ali,
Your wisdom about life is amazing. I look back at the divorce I went through and regret that I did not have a positive attitude and that I let hurt and anger take over my life. It was a hard road. My prayers continue to go out to you. You are such a great role model for women and esp. mothers!
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Peace for you and your family and an abundance of good health, joy, and love in the New Year. You are a brave and tough lady who will make it through this bump in the road. Prayers!
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