The Evolution Of My Story

Send you hugs and prayers! Change is never easy, especially this type of change. I was widowed 6 1/2 years ago and it was horrible. I survived though and life went on. I'm now remarried with two kids and life is wonderful. You WILL get through this and you WILL survive and you WILL thrive! :)

What a wonderful example you are setting for your children. They will, no doubt, grow up to be as special as you. I know it is not easy for any of you, but I hope that your future holds more happiness than you could ever imagine.

Like others mentioned, I come to read here almost everyday because you are very inspiring even if I don't "voice" it in the comments. May peace be with you this Christmas and the coming year.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids. I am in the same situation and there are lots of tears. I make sure I participate in December Daily and WITL because I want my kids to share great memories of their childhood. There is no easy road from where you have come from and to where you are going. My mantra to get through this very difficult time has been to "get through one day at a time". I am glad that you are up to continuing these projects even though some days I'm sure you do not feel up to it so thank you for that. xxxx Regards Kathy, Brisbane, Australia

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Ali,
So sorry to hear your story. But sometimes it's how life takes a turn on you. I am confident you will make this work. However don't forget to take the time to grief. It's important too.
Thinking of you!
Lots of love from Spain
Ellen

Ali, I have so much admiration for you, for so many different reasons, but mostly for your determination to choose happiness. Thank-you for sharing your heart with us and for always being your ever graceful self, even in the most difficult of times. I will continue to wish for contentment and joy for you and your family during this season and as new chapters open in 2012.

Saw this on Pinterest and thought it would apply...

"Every exit is an entrance to somewhere else"

I hope you can find some peace.

So sorry that things haven't worked out as you would like. You are very brave and honest to share this with us. I have been reading 'Man with a Blue Scarf' by Martin Gayford, on sitting for a portrait by Lucian Freud. This may not sound pertinent, but there is one line that I think can apply to all of us and be timely for you, too. "As with any creative project - writing a book, for example, is the same - success is party a matter of stamina, and also what LF likes to call 'morale': the confidence required to simply keep going." I hope that we can all have that confidence. You are fantastically inspirational in so many ways, Ali. Thank you.

Very sorry to hear about this Ali. I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas and a wonderful new year as you embark on this new journey in your lives. God bless.

I am so sorry to hear this news, Ally. I wish you all the best as you celebrate this Christmas with your family.

I too wondered if something had happened. You are a wonderful, inspiring woman and I hope that you and Chris can move forwards in an amicable way for both yourselves and for your children. Love and thoughts are with you. x

755 comments!

Ali you are loved x.

Having gone through this myself I can say that your strength and your absolute joy for all that life holds will get you and your lovely children through this. You have such a way about you that resonates with everyone who reads your blogs or who is a part of your life. My thoughts and prayers for all of you not only during this holiday season, but always.

ali, what could i say that haven´t already been said? just that i can only be grateful to you for so many things, you´re such a great inspiration in my life and i´ve learnt so much from you, you can imagine what you mean for me even if we´ve never met and are living in the opposite side of the world. you´re great, anyway!! i´m going through a similar process and can understand you. i send you all my love and best wishes, you are strong and brave, thank you for your courage and your grace. you are an example even in worst moments, especially in worst moments. love and hughs.

You're in my thoughts.

i just read about your divorce and my hand literally slammed onto my mouth. I would of believed aliens had landed before i would of believed this, i am so so so so sorry and so very angry at this turn of events, i am in the middle of my second divorce and my heart breaks for the children, yours and mine.
Please accept this hug from a lady in australia who is so so sad for you.
sending you strength and love always
andrea x

My favorite blessing/prayer from high school, which continues to resound for me.

May the LORD bless you and keep you;
May the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
- From Numbers 6:24-26

It's what came to mind as I read the words in your post today.

I know Joy is hard. I'm having problems finding joy in this season, filled with it....know your post and the quote helped me a bit, today, and I hope this prayer helps you as well.

Blessings on this new, unexpected chapter in life.
May you find joy, despite the pain.

I have been trying to put my thoughts to word and Kathryn did a beautiful job in the above comment. I have recently learned of several couples separating for various reasons and although there seems to be the expected sadness and struggles, they all seem to be finding the anticipation in newness as well. A change. I will continue to keep you and your entire family in my prayers. You cannot possibly imagine the community of people that surrounds you for your talent, your creativity, and your energy. God bless you and yours this holiday and thank you for continuing to allow us to share in your journey documenting your stories and everyday. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Sad for you that your private story must be made public -- but hopeful in that the positive energy and prayers that are sent your way by those who find inspiration in your story telling and memory keeping will give you courage and strength on those days that seem the most difficult. It is evident that you have a devoted family to help you through the day to day and the fact that you are putting your children first says a lot. Love to you this Christmas and in the "everydays" that follow.