The Evolution Of My Story

Ali,

You are an amazing person, mother and teacher. I had the chance to attend one of your classes in Provo and learned much more than scrapbooking from you. You have been so kind to always share your story. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this next stepping stone in your life experience.

Do not fear the winds of adversity.
Remember: A kite rises against the wind rather than with it

I so enjoy reading your blog and following along with all your wonderful projects and actually teared up when reading this post. Strange, since we do not know each other, but someone who has been divorced, I get it. I can say that although divorce is never easy, it can be accomplished amicably. You can still maintain a healthy relationship to continue being wonderful parents to your children. I've been through it, I pray others never have to, but I promise, it will be ok.

Life can be sad, cruel, empty sometimes. I've been going through a lot in my (short) life but oh my! It can be so surprising! So full of love! So good! I know that life will be brighter for you soon, you're a beautiful person, in and out, and new things will come your way. I'm thinking of you and sending you LOTS of warm hugs and smiles and sunshines.

Ali, I am so sorry. I just wanted to offer you a great big HUG.

I remember being sad but more content when my own parents divorced when I was a child. I could tell they weren't happy together and growing apart. They were better on their own and later found what they were truly meant to do and found partners that made them happy again. Although divorce is not looked at positively, there is goodness that will come out of this. It'll take time and a lot of support but the next chapter will be exciting...a new adventure for everyone. The goodness that came from my parents divorce was the relationship I have with my brother. We clung to each other. We often shared a bed because he was younger and having a harder time dealing with the seperation and didn't want to be alone. Now as adults, we are close and I wouldn't give that up for anything. I have a strong relationship with my dad...really, he's my best friend (my mother was the one that decided to leave) but we're on good terms now as well. I hope that this transition will go smoothly for you and the kids. Thank you for sharing your truth.Merry Christmas Ali.

I am a second wife and we are all close and raise my step daughter as a family (you know that saying it takes a village). It can be done successfully. I will continue to keep you and all your family in our prayers.

God Bless,

Best wishes for all of you. Change is always difficult, but your positive attitude can make all the difference. And it is always okay to be sad and mourn the loss. I wish you peace and joy as you and your family transition through this difficult phase. Best of luck to you Ali. Hugs - Amanda

Ali, I love you.

I am so sorry. But having been through a divorce myself (and now a co-leader in a divorce recovery group), I do know that you and the kids will get through this. Life will be different, but it will be good again... you have always been a very inspirational person to me and I have always appreciated your honesty and 'realness' in your classes, blog, and projects. I think all of us who follow your blog think of you as family and we love hearing updates and stories about Simon and Anna. I know you have a strong support group in your family ... and in us your scrapbooking family. My prayers and thoughts go out to you...

You are so right - there is nothing easy about this. And yet you are walking this path with such courage, grace and strength I admire you so much for that. Sending you lots of love and wishing you peace and joy. You and your sweet family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

My prayers are with you and yours this holiday season...

Dear Ali,

As I am thinking about the New Year you entered my mind, and I decided to come visit your blog to see what you may be sharing...

Reading this post truly brought tears to my eyes. I am happily married now, but I so remember this piece of my life many years ago with three young children.

The journey is not always easy, but I can tell you that when you least expect it you realize that you are stronger than you ever imagined, and everything is okay...

My best to you, Ali.

-Jenny

Many thoughts and prayers for you during this holiday season. I know this must be an extremely difficult time for everyone. From a sharing and scrapbooking perspective, I find you so very courageous. I shared with you recently a personal difficulty and I know I've found it hard some days to find those good stories. I applaud you for wanting to continue that journey in telling your stories, even the hard ones. You are truly an inspiration to so many. I wish you much joy and peace for the future.

My ex- has always been in my life and in my child's life, Ali. I now consider him to be one of my very best friends; in fact, he's the one I usually bounce things off when I'm conflicted or confused. I spent about a month listening to Don Henley's "Heart of the Matter" after my husband told me he wanted something different. The words and sentiment helped a lot. As long as Simon and Anna know they are loved by BOTH parents, all will be well. All the best to you, Ali. Know that there are many, many people who love you very much.

Dear Ali,

"Underneath all of the struggle and sorrow, there is a life force that is unstoppable." Jack Kornfield

you and the kids will be ok;I know it

I am actually in the same boat as you at the moment. Hard, but in my case, the right thing. Being open about it and open-hearted is both weirdly painful and comforting at the same time. YOu strike me as someone who can get through the hard stuff with dignity and grace. And your parents look like a wonderful support system! I am far from mine, and I envy your geographical closeness. sometimes you just want a hug from mom!

My parents divorced when I was two years old. I am now 41. They remain close friends to this day and are both coming to my house to celebrate Christmas. It can be done.

As we say in France "BON COURAGE" Ali and I'll think of you and your family in my prayers. Do take care and may you find happiness and peace always and especially during this holiday season. Warm wishes Jackie

Ali, thank you for sharing. Love and thoughts to you and the children.

My parents made the difficult choice to divorce when I was about Anna's age. It was probably the BEST thing they could have done for me as a human being, as I got the benefit of two happier parents instead of two unhappy people who were staying together out of some sense of obligation or necessity.

I just wanted to let you know that I am a well-adjusted child of divorce. Some people think that is not possible, but it is... anything is possible.

Wishing you joy and laughter in spite of the challenges this holiday season Ali.