The Evolution Of My Story

Dear Ali,

After reading your blog update about what is happening in your family last evening, I couldn't sleep for hours just thinking about you, Simon and Anna and wishing the outcome could somehow be different. I am thinking of you and wishing you strength through this difficult time. I am so very sorry.

So sorry to hear that, Ali.Part of life's rich tapestry, I guess, and I like to think I am a better person because of going thru' it myself some 20 years ago. Please rememeber to cut yourself some slack in the coming year. With love from 'Britain'

May you find peace and strength, and know that you all are loved and being prayed for.

one thing that i have seen on your blog is the constancy of your parents, and i imagine that their love will help carry you forward. and your beautiful children.

may the holidays find you surrounded by love and hope.

ali.. thank you for sharing your story.. you continue to amaze me with your inspiration - not only as an artist but as a women of fortitude. I am struggling with a breast cancer diagnosis along with my marriage being in shambles after many many years and three girls.. the comfort that you bring to me is that i can write my story with grace, wisdom and strength. you inspire that in me. I pray that our Heavenly Father will wrap you in love, heal your heart and give you the strength you need to carry on your journey of motherhood and provider. Thank you again for all the little blessings in my life you give. peace be with you!

Ali, may your Christmas season be a time of rest, prayer, laughter, love, hope, inspiration . . . even in the midst of the hard times. I lost my mom this year, and I know how hard loss is. But what has amazed me during my hard time is the aboslutely surrounding of love, mercy, gentleness, support and again love that I felt from the ones around me and my family. My prayer is that you have the same surrounding of love. Thank you for sharing your life with us, you, my sweet cyber friend, are a blessing! Hugs from Oklahoma!

Live in joy, Ali!

Dearest Ali,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult change in your life. These things happen (and can happen to anyone) and it sounds to me like you both have the right priorities in your life. Like many others have said, I have never met you, but you are a big part of my life. I love your attitude, creativity, and outlook on life. I wish you the best in your new "chapter". With love, Tammy

We recently went through this with our daughter. It is such a difficult time but just remember you are special & very loved. You are a fantastic person & wonderful loving mother. I can only wish that you find joy & peace this Christmas.

you are an awesome momma, and your kids adore you. we adore you. and we're all surrounding you with much light, magic, and love.

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things..." Ali, I really admire the intentionality with which you have approached this part of your story. From your first post to this post, it is so apparent that you are making daily choices with the intent to honor your history, and to remain positive moving forward. I know that it is not easy. I know that there is an ebb and a flow. I know that you can so do this. And most importantly, I know that Simon and Anna will rise up and call you blessed. Please know that we continue to keep your family in prayer.

What an honest, yet heart breaking post. You have such incredible strengths that I marvel at every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family as you deal with this change in your life.

We read your blog every day and feel as if we know you and yours, even though we know in our minds we don't. So, yes, we noticed Chris was absent and after your comments earlier this year, I sort of assumed that's what was going on, but the most beautiful thing about this is the absolutely wonderful life you have with your children. Obviously as hard as a divorce can be, you can have a wonderful life during and after it and you're off to a grand start! Your children look happy, and your lives are full. Your lives will just be different now.
Thanks for sharing - we wondered because we care but we also respect your privacy.

Forty years ago I went through a separation and divorce too. We had one child. The day my husband moved out we agreed to never say anything bad about each other in front of or to our daughter. It was not easy but we both abided by that one promise. When my daughter turned 18 she asked me what caused our divorce. She had never heard either of us say anything bad about the other one. I remarried as did her father and today we all celebrate her son's birthday together - my ex husband, his wife and children, my ex in laws, my husband, our child and grandchildren. I feel proud and grateful we were able to get past our problems and still give our child a solid foundation to grow on. It's not easy but it's doable and so worth it. Your life is very public and your children seem to be doing fine, so take pride in how you are handling this and continue living in joy.

Ali - Thanks for your honesty. My 24 year marriage ended a few years ago and I can tell you that it is entirely possible to navigate your way through this life change with dignity and grace. My ex-husband and I decided that we walked into our relationship holding hands and that we would walk out of it the same way. If you set a clear intention, you'll be able to do it and your kids will benefit by seeing the mature, loving way that their parents negotiated conflict.

There will be LIGHT at the end of this. Be brave. My thoughts are with you.

I, too, wondered about this...and from the distance of following you online.... I send good wishes, knowing that this is a difficult time, painful and challenging. I honor your courage in sharing your life -- with its realities and vulnerabilities, the good and the bad.
I hope that you are bolstered by your resources -- family, friends, colleagues, -- and acquaintances, like me/us here!

Been there. It is not easy and it is still difficult 16 years later. But it does get better. Praying for you all.

Dear Ali,

I couldn't sleep last night thinking of you, Simon and Anna, and I don't even know you except through your blog. I'm so very sorry you are going through this heartbreak. I love reading your blog, especially because my son is on the autism spectrum and the way you write about him (and Anna) inspires me and gives me hope. Keep celebrating what there is to celebrate in life and grieving what there is to grieve and telling your story. I and so many others are grateful for your wonderful example.

Ali, my heart is heavy for you and your family. Know that you have SO MANY friends out here in the world that will fully support you and be here for you. You have such an amazing, positive energy about you, and you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your life (in all its ups and downs) with us. Internet hugs for you Simon and Anna.

I went through the same thing about a year and a half ago. Totally out of the blue, blindsided, devastated. It gets better - I promise. There are ups and downs, but you will survive it.

Love your work and your blog/site.
Sending support from South Jersey.... - K