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. ~Kristina says…
    12/15/2011

    I wish you peace and calm as you endure this change.

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  2. Steph says…
    12/15/2011

    I know you will move forward in this new chapter of this thing called life with the same grace that you show us in the pieces of your life that you share with us out here in Ali blog land.

    Wishing you, Simon and Anna peace for this season.

    One step in front of the other and breathe.

    You have more strength than you probably realize. My grandmother once told me that you can do anything with strength and grace. You have both Ali!

    Hugs...

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  3. amy w says…
    12/15/2011

    Thank you so much for continuing to share your story. It means a lot to me and to so many. My sister went through a very rough divorce three years ago, and I still share uplifting quotes with her. I will share this post with her and tell her how proud I am of her. She is so much stronger than she thought she could ever be. I always point this out to her. She is so loved, by her children, by her family, by her friends. And so are you. Thanks again.

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  4. Jennifer says…
    12/15/2011

    Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa

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  5. Heather G says…
    12/15/2011

    Wishing you peace and grace as you journey this new path. thank you for continuing to share your private life with us, the public who love to catch a glimpse of it.

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  6. Elizabeth says…
    12/15/2011

    Your spirit and attitude is so very beautiful. I am inspired by your strength and positive outlook on life. Sending many prayers and hugs to you and your family.

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  7. Jane says…
    12/15/2011

    Like many of your other readers, I have sensed that something had changed in your life. I felt some sadness at the back of my mind all week thinking of you. Your honesty continues to touch many through this really, little, world of ours. Please know that so many "friends" are thinking of you and wishing you only the best in this new phase of your life.
    Sending only good thoughts your way,
    Jane

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  8. gretchen says…
    12/15/2011

    I appreciate your openness and sharing your life with all of us through your blog!! Praying for you and your family!!

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  9. JulieP says…
    12/15/2011

    My heart goes out to you and your family. In early 2009 my husband decided he also wanted something different in his life so after 22 years of marriage we separated. To say it was the most difficult time of my life doesn't even begin to describe it. Our ten year old took it really hard as well. A year later, when filing for divorce, we somehow managed to pull it all together and admit that being apart was not what either of us wanted. Life works in complicated ways sometimes. I wish you and your family the best as I personally know the heartache you are experiencing right now. Xoxoxoxoxo

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  10. Kim says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, Just look at all this love, all this support. I, too, have been in this place and I used scrapbooking and storytelling to document the heartbreak and the healing, the pain and the new joys, the fear and the courage. Life is not a neat page of beautiful pictures but is a collage of joy and pain and we can use our stories to document every part of it. Wishing you peace and calm.

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  11. Heather Topich says…
    12/15/2011

    I've been thinking of your family a lot. Thank you for your openness in your sharing. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this tough period. I pray for your strength and that you do find much joy and love, especially in those gorgeous kids of yours.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Jenny Meyerson says…
    12/15/2011

    What a beautiful quote. Thank you for being such a model of grace. Blessings to all four of you as you move forward.

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  13. Olivia says…
    12/15/2011

    I have wondered, worried, and prayed for you lately. I will continue to pray for you as you start a new journey. Remember that there is good in today, good in the past, and good moving forward into the future. Live in those good moments and surround yourself with friends and family who support and love you. God Bless!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Ali M says…
    12/15/2011

    Im heartbroken.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Alison says…
    12/15/2011

    I'm really sorry. Divorce is never easy and I hope that things will go smoothly for you. As the child of divorced parents, I hope you won't mind my saying that the absolute best thing you can do for your children is to maintain a positive relationship with their father, even when you hurting so bad on the inside that you want to scream. Nothing hurts more than hearing your parent bad-mouth the other one. Many best wishes to you and your kids as you go through this. :)

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  16. Trina says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali--
    I've been wondering about how you were doing after your post a while back. Thank you, as always, for sharing your life with us, the good as well as the bad. it is a great reminder that bad things happen to everyone & it is how you deal with them that defines who you are. You are a wonderful example of how to keep things in perspective, focus on the positive and look to the future. What a great gift you share with us. Thank you and warm wishes for a holiday filled with joy and peace. Merry Christmas!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Kathryn says…
    12/15/2011

    Thinking of you and sending comforting thoughts your way. Continue to look for the joy.

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  18. Laura says…
    12/15/2011

    Over the last few years I have enjoyed peaking into your wonderful world. I have enjoyed your stories and your photography. You are an amazing woman, with an amazing family. I made it through this difficult time several years ago, and I have no doubt that you will do the same. You will find joy in the smallest moments...the unexpected moments...and the new you moments. And I selfishly look forward to your new point of view. My best wishes to you and yours.

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  19. judi walker says…
    12/15/2011

    Peace - for you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Margot says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, I have been going through the same experience and I know how hard it is. Your wonderful friends, family and huge community of admirers are all rooting for you. I wish you peace and love.

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  21. Babz510 says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali, I wish you peace and strength as you navigate through this change. I too had wondered but hoped for a different outcome for you both. Blessings to you, Simon and Anna this season.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Doreen OBrien says…
    12/15/2011

    Ali I have never meet you yet I'm holding back tears. Know that I'm so very sorry and you will be amazed at the strength and courage God will provide you. My husband decided to leave our family after my son had cancer and 12 years later we are all good. Your family will be in my prayers.

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  23. Mary says…
    12/15/2011

    Thank you for your honesty, Ali. As many have stated, I have been hoping and praying that all is well with you and your family. May you and Chris part ways with grace and dignity. You are in my heart and my thoughts.

    (virtual) hugs to you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Carolyn says…
    12/15/2011

    Wishing the best for you & your family during this next chapter of your life. Your open heart & courage will help you with the journey.

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  25. Teresa says…
    12/15/2011

    I've been reading your blog for years, been inspired by your work more times than I can count, but I don't thinking I've ever commented before. Thank you for your honesty. It couldn't have been easy to share something so personal but I appreciate your commitment to being real in a world where so many don't. Thank you and I am very sorry for the pain you are experiencing. I've watched several friends (who are moms) go through very painful divorces and one thing I can say is they all have ended up in VERY happy places, even happier than they ever thought possible. It's a tough road but it does get better.

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