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.
I too wondered if something had happened. You are a wonderful, inspiring woman and I hope that you and Chris can move forwards in an amicable way for both yourselves and for your children. Love and thoughts are with you. x
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755 comments!
Ali you are loved x.
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Having gone through this myself I can say that your strength and your absolute joy for all that life holds will get you and your lovely children through this. You have such a way about you that resonates with everyone who reads your blogs or who is a part of your life. My thoughts and prayers for all of you not only during this holiday season, but always.
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ali, what could i say that haven´t already been said? just that i can only be grateful to you for so many things, you´re such a great inspiration in my life and i´ve learnt so much from you, you can imagine what you mean for me even if we´ve never met and are living in the opposite side of the world. you´re great, anyway!! i´m going through a similar process and can understand you. i send you all my love and best wishes, you are strong and brave, thank you for your courage and your grace. you are an example even in worst moments, especially in worst moments. love and hughs.
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You're in my thoughts.
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i just read about your divorce and my hand literally slammed onto my mouth. I would of believed aliens had landed before i would of believed this, i am so so so so sorry and so very angry at this turn of events, i am in the middle of my second divorce and my heart breaks for the children, yours and mine.
Please accept this hug from a lady in australia who is so so sad for you.
sending you strength and love always
andrea x
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My favorite blessing/prayer from high school, which continues to resound for me.
May the LORD bless you and keep you;
May the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
- From Numbers 6:24-26
It's what came to mind as I read the words in your post today.
I know Joy is hard. I'm having problems finding joy in this season, filled with it....know your post and the quote helped me a bit, today, and I hope this prayer helps you as well.
Blessings on this new, unexpected chapter in life.
May you find joy, despite the pain.
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I have been trying to put my thoughts to word and Kathryn did a beautiful job in the above comment. I have recently learned of several couples separating for various reasons and although there seems to be the expected sadness and struggles, they all seem to be finding the anticipation in newness as well. A change. I will continue to keep you and your entire family in my prayers. You cannot possibly imagine the community of people that surrounds you for your talent, your creativity, and your energy. God bless you and yours this holiday and thank you for continuing to allow us to share in your journey documenting your stories and everyday. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
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Sad for you that your private story must be made public -- but hopeful in that the positive energy and prayers that are sent your way by those who find inspiration in your story telling and memory keeping will give you courage and strength on those days that seem the most difficult. It is evident that you have a devoted family to help you through the day to day and the fact that you are putting your children first says a lot. Love to you this Christmas and in the "everydays" that follow.
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Ali, I want to honor your request for optimism, but I'm in tears on reading this. Please know that I am here for you in any sort of need. You are beautiful! You are amazing! You are [more than] enough! May God grant you strength, wisdom, and peace throughout the season and in the new year.
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I wish nothing but the best for all of you. It's not easy, but no one ever said life would be easy. You can do it. You need to do it for yourself as well as your children. And if anyone can do it, you can. You are amazing!!! I can't wait to see what wonderful new adventures life has in store for you. God Bless!!!
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You are not alone. We all have those times in our lives that test our strength and resolve. Best of luck to Chris. I hope he finds balance and peace in his life.
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You are truly inspiring and so brave for sharing your story! You are in my prayers x
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Dear Ali,
We will always be here for you. I have been through a divorce a few years ago & I know how painful it is. I also know life does go on. You & your family are in my prayers.
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My parents broke up about 2,5 years ago. And while it might be a bit different because both me and my sister are grown-ups I can assure you, it DOES work. We are still family, my parents still talk, we will in fact be celebrating christmas all together. After a bumpy start we aren't uncomfortable or anything.
Wishing you all the best and that you guys can figure out how to keep being parents without being married. And also wishing you, that you'll find a little comfort spot for yourself.
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Thank you for your candid sharing of your life. You open yourself up to so many people you don't really know. But know that we care and pray for you. Much love and prayers to you and the kids this holiday season. I know it can't be an easy thing for anyone involved.
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Ali: You are such a positive person. Your family will always remember this about you. I wish you & your family a wonderful holiday. It will be filled with new changes but you will make them all memorable. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
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Ali -
I cannot imagine that you will be able to read all of these comments. 768 when I signed on to make my own remarks. But I am touched by your post. Having faced a major alteration in my own story several years ago, when my son was only 2 1/2, I just want to say how much I admire the way that you have shared this change in this post. You are right - it is an evolution of your story. A change that you probably never imagined or wanted, but a change that you are facing nonetheless.
I have followed you for years and from what I see, you are nothing if not authentic. Obviously most of your blog readers, including myself, do not know you personally, but I know I am honored that you open parts of your life to us. I truly respect the way that you said not all stories are meant to be told but that you shared enough on your blog to be authentic. I, and I am sure many others, appreciate that.
Going through a divorce and establishing your new role and recreating your life will not be easy. It certainly was not for me. But I am sure you will find your way. I am sure you will find happiness and joy interspersed between the times of challenge and stress. And I am sure that you are surrounded by many friends and family who will help you.
I wish you peace Ali, as you begin this new chapter in your life. Take care of yourself above all else, so that you can take care of all the rest of the people in your life.
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Even thoughI have never meet you,spoken to you or laid my eyes on you in person, I have walked yourlife with you in the past few year thanks to the wonderful world of blogging...I havwe wathched Simon grow up and marvelled at the precious stories you shared with us.I have journeyed with you too in Anna being born and the life of too siblings who adore each other. THANK YOU so much for sharing all of this and showing us what story telling is all about. As life takes a different path for all of you, I pray Gods love and blessing on you all..
Much love Sue ( from dowunder) ...x
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I am an avid reader of your blog, but rarely leave a comment - I just don't feel I have much to say usually. But today I just have to say something. I am very sorry for what you are going through and I will be lifting you up in prayer. I have always admired not only your creativity, but your spirit as well - and today I want to thank you for sharing this with us. Big hugs to you Ali!
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Ali, I have been following you for a short period of time now... but in that time, I have come to love reading your blog posts. Your genuine, soft, honest, spirit comes through... I will keep you in my prayers for uplifting, positive things to come into your life. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being so honest. Thank you for being so brave to share your story here with all of us who follow you and who feel for you. Wishing you many blessings and peace always. Rosa
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Ali, I wish you strength, comfort, hope, and for continued grace. This post couldn't have been easy to write and to do so with such tact is admirable.
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May God bless you all.
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I can tell you that there is life on the other side. There will be times when letting go of something gets you so much more. I know that you will turn this latest change in your life into a learning experience for each of us; a new way of looking at our lives and taking new steps with confidence! My thoughts and prayers are with you...and I wish for you the spirit of Christmas and the promise of a New Year and new beginning. Hugs!
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