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.
Dear Ali, my heart breaks for your loss. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer. I pray you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.
Joshua 1:9
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
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Thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for being real and sharing something that is so hard to share. One of my favorite quotes is, "With a sister, joy is multiplied and grief divided." Glad that you have a wonderful support system to help you through this time.
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Hi Ali,Thanks for sharing so much of you, your family and your life.So sorry your having a hard time at the moment.Through all this you continue to inspire and educate us and for this I thank you..Every day I look forward to your blog and face book posts they make my day better...so I hope this message I am sending can make your day a little better.x
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Peace to you Ali. A terribly stressful time to go through for all of you but you have so much poise and dignity that you will come through the other side even stronger. I am from an example where we have made it work, it can be done. Hugs all round.
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Ali,
I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. I went through the same thing when my kids were young and it is awful, terrible, painful..all those things. But I want to share with you that you WILL weather this storm and your kids will be FINE!! Mine are now thriving--my eldest is now a high school Math teacher and my youngest is about to graduate from college. We've had many discussions about the role of divorce in their lives (all those years of the every other weekend merry-go-round!). But in the end, they've been there, assuring ME that they are fine, they know they are loved, and the bottom line is that everyone has "crosses to bear." They are strong, confident people and your kids will be too. I promise you,as one who has survived this storm, that you will look back and realize it was for the best. I wouldn't wish going through a divorce on anyone, but I know now that it can be done with grace and dignity.
I wish you the best on your journey and I thank you for being my scrapbook inspiration mentor for many years. I have been a long time fan of your talents!
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That period of "Will our marriage last?" "What is going to happen?" and other questions has come to an end. And you know the answer. Now another set of questions will appear and you'll be searching for answers again.
May you remember each and every day that you need strength to guide your children - and remember that you can find strength among your family, friends and blog-readers. Please do what you need to do for yourself, so that you are able to support your children.
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Ali, I'm very touched that you are sharing your real life with everyone. My heart goes out to you during your (and the childrens) difficult adjustment. As hard as it is to share, I believe you will help others going through the same process (I've been divorced since 1986. My children are now grown and for the last 4 to 5 years I've really been enjoying my life.....took a while, huh?) One thing I have learned from you is that you are strong. You're a survivor and I wish you the very best. I also think it is great that Chris WANTS to remain a part of Simon and Anna's life. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! You all will remain in my prayers.
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I applaud your honesty which is one of the things I truly love about you. Going through divorce is not easy but there is light at the other end. If you go into being positive and loving that that he how you will come out the other end. I truly believe that things happen for a reason, when my marriage ended I could not figure out why this had to happen to me but I did my best to be positive and can honestly say that my life is very different to where it was and I have loved where I ended up.
My thoughts are with you, Chris and your lovely children.
Stand tall and stay positive and you will love where you end up.
love me :-)
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My arms are wrapped around you all...you are one of the strongest woman I know and I know that you have not only changed maybe your own life but the ones around you, in real life or in the land of blogging...may you all find the strength, love, support to get you through these days ahead...my hope is that we all find peace and happiness for 2012...love and hugs!
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Thanks for being so gracious, and authentically sharing this chapter of your story with all of us. It is so evident the joy that your children are, and the wonderful relationships that you all have with your friends and extended family. I hope all of this will be an ongoing comfort and healing force to you in the coming days. I really love this quote from the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. "Unbelievably good things can happen, even late in the game. It's so surprising. Any arbitrary turning along the way and I would be different." God bless you!
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Ali, praying for you and the kids here at the tip of Africa. I believe that there are still many good things ahead for you - because you are just so amazing. But for this time, gird yourself with strength (Prov. 31) and walk in peace and completeness (Isiah 54:10.) God loves you and He is with you always!
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Ali, I'm a new follower but was so excited to find you. I 'inherited' a beautiful new grandchild last year who has PDD (pervasive developmental disorder - in the autism spectrum) when my son married. I have been so excited to watch how you cope with the challenges you face and to see Simon's progress. How my heart breaks for you and your family right now.
I've been where you are and know how hard this Christmas will be. I'm about 25 years down the road now and I want you to know that you can make it! So for what it's worth, here's what I wish I had known then:
1. Don't let the pressures of being a single mom stop you from taking care of yourself. You don't have to be strong all the time.
2. It can be hard, but you can make new traditions that will become just as precious and fun to you and your kids as those that have come to an end.
3. Whatever comes up that you just can't seem to cope with, just remind yourself, this too shall pass!
Hang in there! I'll be praying for your family.
Blessings,
Renea
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My thoughts and prayers, Ali. Through the years - through your scrapbook pages, your articles, your classes, and your blog you've shared your life with us. We've gotten to know you and your family and have come to care for you all like friends and neighbors. You and Chris are forever connected to one another because of your past and because of Simon and Anna. I believe you were meant to be together, and now, for whatever reason, you are meant to take a different path. I believe it will lead you where you are meant to be. God bless you.
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Two thumbs up to anyone who can write a blog post about this. I check your blog almost everyday and am always amazed at how much creativity you share with the world. Your continued blog posting (or sharing) is greatly appreciated), it wouldn't be the same if you didn't. You always have words of wisdom or insightful links about living life to the full, I guess it's time to revisit those areas. I'd also take a long hot bath and look to the things that do make you happy. Run, run everyday and share it with us (please? It's very inspiring!). Take photos, write your story, for a new one is unfolding right before you. Sending you a Christmas Angel to sit upon your tree.
SARAH
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I can't tell u how much u r in
My thoughts and prayers.
I wish that u could feel the support from me
U will survive
U r so strong even though it might not feel like it at the
Moment
Take care
Feel the love of your children and family and friends and let it heal u
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Thank you for sharing this and "touching" on difficulties that you were experiencing in PL. Over the past couple of years I have similarly difficult seasons. I love scrapbooking and in many ways it helps me process what ever is going on in my life. However, it was/has been very difficult to scrapbooking during these seasons. I didn't want to act as if these times didn't not exist. However, I didn't want it to be the main focus either. I have appreciated seeing you "touch" on the difficulties you are experiencing so I can better tell my story honestly.
Thank you.
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Ali, I'm sorry about this news and wish you and your sweet children only the best. You are a classy woman and even during a difficult situation you shine. I love that you are so joyful no matter what. I can tell by the photos you've shared, that your parents are around a lot and I think that is wonderful. As they say, when a door closes, a window opens. You'll be in my prayers. Hugs.
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Grace and peace be with you. Sending prayers your way.
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Ali, I know it is not easy and it is not going to get easier but I am sure you can do it and that the bound between you and your kids will grow stronger with the time. Being a divorce child by myself I know that your kids and you can keep having a wonderful story. Sending you the best wishes for the holiday season and for your life. xoxo Iara
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You and your family are in my thoughts. Peace with you in this holiday season.
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Thinking of you with love in my heart.
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Dear Ali
So sorry to hear your news. I wish you peace in the year ahead and as you transition to the next stage of your life I wish you joy and love and an abundance of happiness. You are one of life's inspiring and giving people and may the universe give back to you, Simon and Anna the happiness, joy and love that you give to so many. Be strong - you are an amazing woman.
Warmest wishes
Delia
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I don't know you-i have never met you. However you need to know how much I admire your spirit. Blessings.
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You have always shared your heart with all of us that we feel that we're friends.
Merry Christmas and know that they will be happy times in abundance again (and soon!)
Enjoy Christmas cause your kiddos have such a HUGE Christmas spirit it reaches to all of us... Love you!
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Dear Ali,
I too sensed something was missing (and even mentioned it in one one my recent email to you), but it took me three times to read and fully understand the extent of your message. I guess in my heart I didn't want this to happen, and still can't believe it is happening to you. You have always put your family first, and it's so sad to see that this family is going to change. But then as a lot of people have already written, you will make it. You're a strong woman. But don't forget that even strong women need time to heal. Allow yourself time to be sad, time to cry. Your post really touched in a way I would have never imagined, and even made me think about my own family, my relashionship with my husband and how I should cherish more then ever all those moments that we have together.
Gaele
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