What Is Real Right Now

sending prayers and compassion your way ali! i hope things work out the way you want them to. thanks for sharing both the difficult and the good times with us all!!

Ali so many before have said it all. Please know that we all care and want you to feel the strenghth that we send.

ALi, I always read your blog and appreciate everything you contribute. If I were to be 100% honest, I would say I am not surprised. I have been feeling/sensing/noticing that he has been a little absent from your story - literally in your scrapbook pages and PL layouts that seem to be all about your kids, and less about you or you and Chris or Chris. Good luck to you.

sending you all the positivity I can... you have really become a shining light for me and i think many others... you are an inspiration.. give more of yourself to you and chris... we can wait a bit while you take the time... great to hear such a positive report on simon.. you're in my thoughts..

Ali,

Thank you for sharing this post. It's definitely hit home for me because I'm also going through a difficult time with my husband. Reading this has helped me realize how strong and positive I need to be and have faith that everything will work out just as it should. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts in prayers, and I'm sending positive energy your way. Keep your head up. <3

Thanks for the honesty and sharing real life. We all are in it together...take care

We can always count on your honesty and completely fresh take on life's challenges. You're in my heart and my prayers.

We all experience having a hard time "connecting" with our spouses, especially after having children and especially if one of them has special needs. Our oldest has aspberger's and boy oh boy is that a challenge like nothing else I've ever faced in my life and it is very hard on our relationship. However, it is the qualities that we both bring to our relationship with each other and with our children that makes it work in the long run (even though I'm quite sure that the qualities that are good are the ones that make each of us nuts from time to time!) If our kids were with just one of us, it would be lop-sided, they wouldn't fully benefit from the positive qualities that we both bring to the table. We're both needed to both of them. My husband, in the midst of behaviors that push me to the edge, is a calming force that makes me laugh at the insanity and helps me see things more clearly. My no-nonsense approach to dealing with issues helps him to focus and push our son where he probably wouldn't. We're both needed and at the end of the day, it's not about us right now, it's about our kids...raising them and preparing them to be independent adults. Do we lose ourselves a bit along the way and do we fail to take time for each other like we should and does that have an effect? Yup...but I know that the foundation we have is strong, that we got married because we loved each other and were committed to staying together through better or worse. The down times are typically a phase that passes. Riding it out through those tough times and coming out on the other side still committed and together is what deepens and strengthens a relationship. Hang in there...

I understand this post very well. As a mother of a special needs child it always seems like nothing is ever perfect at the same time. When one thing is going well it seems something else falls apart. When those perfect moments do come and everything seems to be going smoothly I cherish them even more. Wishing you many perfect moments and the peace and strength to make it through the tough times...and I will include you in my prayers.

All positive thoughts your way. I work for a marriage counselor and know that sometimes a neutral third party can help. That is easier said than done. Both parties have to be invested in it. Hope you are both invested in all the positives you have.

Ali,I'm not very strong, but I have lots of love & compassion I'm sending your way. Things will work out in a way the universe decides,in the meantime,stay true to yourself & all of your awesomeness.Know you are worthy... xo

It's funny that you wrote this post today. I have a daughter just about Anna'a age and strong-willed doesn't even begin to describe her! Smart as a whip, but she challenges me at every turn. I always look to your blog to see how it "should" be done. I get so many ideas and positive vibes from you. These I believe help me to be a better mom, partner, friend and person. Your honest writing today only further encourages me to read your blog and apply your insights to my own life. I believe that being joyful and appreciative during life's more difficult times is really where true happiness comes from. You embody that principal and that serves as a wonderful reminder to us all. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

What's real right now: I haven't stopped thinking of you since I read this a few hours ago and it makes me feel sorta silly since I don't know you personally.

What's real right now: I came back to leave you a comment and let you know my heart is hurting for you.

Praying for you, Chris, Simon and Anna.

Sending prayers your way. Marriage isn't easy and we don't always connect on everything but you have to remember the love & friendship that brought you together and don't let it go. Today, everyone wants the easy way and their own way but we are here to serve others. Love the quote...I need to copy that and read it every day!! God Bless.

Ali, So very sorry to read you re going through challenging times. I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Remember Phil. 4:13 and Let go and let God.

Lots of positive thoughts heading your way. We've been through ups and downs. Times of great joy and times of wondering if it was all worth it. Fortunately, the ups and the joys have significantly outweighed the downs and doubts, but in those down times, I couldn't see that. However, I'm so wonderfully glad we persevered.

Keep on keeping on, remember why you're together to start with, be honest, find ways to be a team and you'll make it through to the other side sooner or later.

All my best to your family.

Prayers, positivity, compassion & grace to you Ali! Thanks for your authenticity in your post. We are all far more alike than different, that is for sure! Peace...

PS The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson is a fantastic book! So well written, great story, great escapism!

I am holding you in awareness!

your honesty is always inspiring to me. life is full of ups and downs and i am always uplifted by people who are willing to willing share them both with me (us). i am a little older and have an older family and i wish i could say things get easier - but we just go with it.

regarding books: cutting for stone is one my favorites from the last year or two! i think you'll love it.