The Evolution Of My Story
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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 comments
Just wanted to let you know that I wish you all the best on your new journey. Your positive approach is uplifting as is all things that you do. You are loved and respected by many around you, people who you know or only know you, but believe me when I say that if you ever need anything you just need to ask. Thank you for all that you have done for the scrapbook community and I hope that we will be a force to lift you up when you need it!
xoxo, Christine
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Blessings and hugs for you. It's now a different normal. I figured this out after my mom passed away. I'm sorry.
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Sadly I suspected this months ago but was hoping I was wrong. So sorry to hear this sad news. I cannot even imagine what you all must be going through, and although I don't know you, I feel like I do through CK, your books and this blog. I will most certainly be lifting all of you in my prayers. {{{Hugs}}}.
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Hi Ali, I went through something similar 3 1/2 years ago. I truly believe that you will all be ok and I will send up prayers for you. Thank you for sharing on your blog.
Kim
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Hi Ali,
Just wanted to leave you a quote from my favorite movie the Help
"YOU IS KIND
YOU IS SMART
YOU IS IMPORTANT" Aibileen Clark.
Have a great christmas and a happy new year!!!
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oh Ali - I'm so sad for what you are all going through. . .sending you and the kids a big hug. . .I admire your honesty and your bravery. . .you are truly inspiring in so many ways.
hillary
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Ali, I wanted to express my sadness of the loss of your marriage, but in what you've shared of your life with us all these years I see you as a strong, successful women, with the love of friends and family surrounding you. As well, you and Chris have done an amazing job raising these two wonderful children, and whether you are together under one roof or not, the values, the love and the happiness you share with them will always be there, and for that they will get through this being okay. I just want you to move forward with clarity, more successes, and the love of those so important to you. Thank you as always for keeping it real with us. Merry Christmas :)
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Your family is going through something difficult but you have an amazing attitude which will benefit all of you. Remember that you all will feel a range of emotions but keep strong as a positive relationship will be best in the long run. I bet 2012 will be the best year ever!!!
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Ali, know that you are loved.
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Ali, know that you are loved.You are one classy gal.
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I have had a feeling but of course as others said..your personal life..my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..Angels really watch over amazing people like you!! Wishing you a season of peace and happiness. Those kids are the most important things to protect through this. Thinking of you, Paula
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I am holding you and your family in loving awareness.
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BTDT, Ali, and to say that it's horrific sounds so cliche... but it's true. I am so proud of your bravery as you work to bring your family through this. HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH. I still feel the pain even 14 years later, but it you do truly come to see the proverbial silver linings as time moves forward. <3 Blessings to you.
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Continued prayers to uplift and strengthen you! And, prayer for Chris for whatever reason that his heart has turned.
You are beautiful and loved, a treasure. You tube the song "Beautiful" by MercyMe...I crank this song up while riding down the long stretch of WNC road towards Atlantic. The song and understanding the MOST perfect love takes my feet off the ground and I soar with the knowledge that this love. I have felt uplifting prayer before in times of great struggle (illness of family, mother with Alzheimers, etc.) and truly I was carried through these times. love...
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towards....Atlanta...=)
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Ali---
I don't know you, but I will honestly say that the past few days I've felt God leading me to pray for you. I know that sounds wacky and weird and from someone you don't know, totally bizarre. BUT...I have just begun faithfully following your blog again this past month (after 6 very busy months of my life.) I noticed that Chris wasn't in the stories, photos, etc and that you're parents seemed in more than normal. You are strong and courageous for sharing such a hard thing with your readers, but we thank you for authenticity. I will continue to send prayers from Texas and I highly recommend that you seek out a Bible Study in the Spring. There are daytime ones in most places and I know that God would bless you for it. If you don't have time to go to one I HIGHLY recommend One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. It's about journeying to the Promised Land that God has set aside for you. You can find her workbooks and download videos at www.lifeway.com
God's Blessings and Abundant Peace during your Christmas Season!
Angela Moore
Houston, TX
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Divorce is never easy; even when you know that it is the right thing for both persons. At least it was for me.
I felt like such a failure and I grieved for a while over the lost dreams and unfulfilled prmises. But after that I met and married my true love and when I look back I can see that I had to go thru all that in order to grow and have my heart ready for what was next.
I know right now this is the last thing in your mind but be kind to your self, grieve, cry if you have to but get up everyday and know that wonderful things await for you.
May god bless you with acceptance, peace and hope for a wonderful future.
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I'm so sorry that you are going through this. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Thank you for your honesty. You don't need to share this with us, but you chose to be as open and honest with this as you are with everything else. My heart aches for you. I too have been in your shoes. It does get easier....you just need to get through the hard times first. May God bless you and your family at this holiday time and through the rest of the year.
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My heart is heavy for you, yes, but I know that you will own this part of your story and teach us along the way. And we, your readers, your friends, will lift you up. Let this space be your soft place to land because we love you and Simon and Anna and all that you have given us..with our whole hearts. XxoO.
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