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.

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934 thoughts

  1. Lisa Belkin: Announcing Your Divorce Online | Uç TV says…
    01/19/2012

    [...] Ali Edwards, who writes about parenting an autistic child, had this to say on December 15: “It’s [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Lisa Belkin: Divorce, One Blogpost At A Time | Divorce Lawyer Canada says…
    01/19/2012

    [...] Ali Edwards, who writes about parenting an autistic child, had this to say on December 15: “It’s [...]

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  3. Lisa Belkin: Divorce, One Blogpost At A Time | Screw Cable says…
    01/19/2012

    [...] Ali Edwards, who writes about parenting an autistic child, had this to say on December 15: “It’s [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Lisa Belkin: Divorce, One Blogpost At A Time | Uç TV says…
    01/19/2012

    [...] Ali Edwards, who writes about parenting an autistic child, had this to say on December 15: “It’s [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Lisa Belkin: Divorce, One Blogpost At A Time | Overnight Satellite says…
    01/19/2012

    [...] Ali Edwards, who writes about parenting an autistic child, had this to say on December 15: “It’s [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Announcing Your Divorce Online says…
    01/20/2012

    [...] First Ali Edwards, who writes about parenting an autistic child, had this to say on December 15: “It’s always been my goal to authentically share my story…in this online space. 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.” [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Veronica Norris says…
    01/21/2012

    Dear Ali,
    I am so shocked by this news, as I was absent from my regular blog-hopping before the holidays and just heard it while you were giving your presentation over at OLW...I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this...you are such an inspirational, creative and amazing person and you deserve nothing but love and support through this very difficult time and I know your parents will be there for you every step of the way...I know your faithful followers, myself included will be sending lots of love and prayers your way. Thank you for sharing this very personal part of your life with us...it just reinforces that you are an authentic and real person. Thank you also for continuing to teach and start new projects like your newsletter, which I have been loving. If anyone can turn this difficult time into something positive it is you. My word last year was Zen and in one of the books I read about happiness this idea resonated with me: everything that happens is good and everything happens for a reason...although it is often difficult to see that when we're in the middle of things, I do believe it is so true. I hope that you can find some peace and moments of happiness as you go through all this. Again my prayers are with you, take care.
    Hugs, Veronica

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Tiffany says…
    01/21/2012

    Love to your and your family during this diffcult time.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Penny Smith says…
    01/25/2012

    I can not imagine your pain in this... I know you to be a Christian woman, and I am sure this is so very hard on so many levels! I hope he took the steps you needed to have peace in all of this, even if the pain is inescapable. I will pray for happiness in the future that you could never have imagined on your own! He has your back! You are no less special to Him!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Joanna Jerome says…
    01/29/2012

    Ali
    It has been years since I first met you and had the great pleasure of taking one of your classes at CKU in Dallas. For many years I have followed your blog and the last time I saw you was at a scrapbook store in Waco, tx. It's been several years since I followed your blog but i was always anxious to see your column in Creating Keepsakes. Just today I have re-discovered you again and was reading your older post when I saw this post. Divorce is not easy especially with young children involved. It was the hardest thing I ever indured...and my two boys are now 18 and 19. It's been five years since I said goodbye to 17 years of marriage. But I know that like me you will get thru this and by God's grace you will be better for it. Much love and prayers for you , Simon, and Anna. And some day I hope to cross paths with you again.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Kathleen says…
    02/08/2012

    Ali--
    I have been SO out of touch with my blog reading---I still did December daily, and even my Day in the life today---I just haven't had a chance to truly catch up on my blog reading. I finally googled to see if you were divorcing and found this article. I, too, find myself in your exact situation---shocked and saddened and having to move on without my husband. I'm sorry I'm just now seeing this---I am grateful to see your attitude and determination to selflessly love your children by showing grace and kindness to their father. We have also made this commitment. I haven't written Becky Higgins---I need to---but, apart from God's grace in my life---and I am not taking that lightly---I think Project Life has made this entire situation bearable for me---I have been "forced", so to speak to choose joy--to look for beauty. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the quote you put at the top of this page---it's SO true. You are brave to do it this way---so many would be hateful and ugly---My heart aches for you---I'm praying that you would lean on a good and loving God---in the midst of the sadness to walk with you and your beautiful children on this journey. Thanks for the transparency---

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Anne-Marie Eberhardt says…
    03/09/2012

    Hey Ali! I have been wondering and am sure thinking about you! It's funny, in some ways, I feel like I know you, though clearly understand I don't. This is a new and wonderful chapter in your lives. You are such an inspiration to so many, Constantly helping me to refocus on what I love and what is important. Great things are to come for you. A-M

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Debbie says…
    03/26/2012

    Ali,

    I went through the same things that you are probably going through. I married my high school sweetheart and we were married for almost 25 years. The last 10 years were pretty bad, but I stayed because I thought that it was best for my children. I have a daughter with PDD and was basically afraid that she would regress. We divorced in 2010, after a nasty separation, and I am happy to say that all worked out fine. I am now remarried to an incredible man who my children adore.

    It's perfectly natural to be sad and lonely. I have taken a couple of your classes at Scrapbook Expo, and I felt how strong that you are. I wish you the best and know that you will have a wonderful and exciting life ahead of you. Sending hugs your way.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Maile says…
    05/05/2012

    Hi Ali -- I just saw your live video chat for Big Picture classes. I wondered if you had thought to take a picture from this difficult time and one from today (similar to your challenge). You will see, as we did, your spirit and grace is always showing. You are wonderful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Jakki says…
    08/21/2012

    I've been divorce for 7 almost 8 years... when you've went through similiar expierences, your mind AND your heart can SEE the signs

    but you dont want to infringe....

    I missed this post but for several weeks...I could tell something was different and decided to go back to dates I missed and I came across this post

    My heart goes out to you, your children and to him. Its never easy...I dont care what anyone says...but it IS a new chapter and one that you seem to have made a heart decision to keep on keeping on, loving life no matter what happens.

    and that is the BEST lesson a mother can teach her children.

    God Bless...

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Giorgi says…
    03/12/2013

    Thank you for sharing your stories happy and not so much .... in these stories of your life you have brought me strength .... I would like to leave you with something I live by finding myself in the same life paths as you are in now.

    God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
    the Courage to change the things I can,
    and the Wisdom to know the difference.

    Sending you Peace.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Joseph Campbell on Living Joyfully | Dawn Productions says…
    05/18/2013

    [...] from Ali Edwards Like this post Unlike this post 2 views Joseph Campbell on Living Joyfully var [...]

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