The wedding is just a few short days away.
We won’t be stopped by the government shutdown (even though we have had to create a backup plan to the original national park location). Nor will tropical storm Karen put a damper on our plans even if she makes us damp (here’s the one time I’m not happy about wedding dresses being white!).
As we all know, those are little things, speed bumps, but not stop signs.
We have been through much more stringent challenges to get here.
And now we’re ready.
I’m ready.
I tried on my dress the other night for the first time since I bought it a year ago. The sight made the upcoming marriage feel real. Tangible. I looked at my reflection and reflected on the last time I wore white, 14 years ago. I am no longer that woman. I am more awake, mindful of all that is. I am more aware of both the good and the potential for pain. I am more grateful for everything after losing everything. And, dare I say it, I am more excited. My first marriage felt like the inevitable conclusion to a good relationship. This marriage feels like a hard-won victory after years of facing struggle. The triumph of love over loss. Trust over betrayal. And peace over pain.
And that’s something to celebrate.
And celebrate I shall. I will be taking a hiatus from the blog and its associated platforms for the next week or so. I want to focus on my new husband. My family. And my friends.
And maybe even sneak in a nap:)
I want to spend a week celebrating where I am with no thought as to how I got here.
Even though this is certainly a case where the ends justify the means.
I’m not locking the door of the blog; please feel free to poke around and maybe even stay for awhile. There are well over 600 hundred posts here, so there’s no need to get bored:)
Please keep commenting and sharing. I’ll pick up when I get back.
But I also want to leave you with something.
Hope.
Hope that no matter how bad the pain is now, it can get better.
Hope that no matter how much you have lost, you can regain even more.
Hope that no matter how piercing the betrayal, you can learn how to trust again.
Hope that breaks heal and make you stronger than before.
Hope that you can build a new family and a new life.
Hope that you are not damaged beyond repair and that you can love and be loved.
Hope that you can be happy. Really and truly happy.
Your happy ending may look different than mine.
But picture the happy ending you want. The finish line that says you’ve completed your divorce journey.
And then walk towards it. One step at a time.
See you all soon:)
Lisa
Words can’t express how happy I am for you, Lisa. Someday, someway , I hope that my four legged child Barat and I are walking in similar shoes as you three~ I just want to trust and love again ~ and be loved. God Bless you all and thank you for all you have done for me. Julie
Congratulations to you, and I wish you a lifetime of love and laughter. Thank you for sharing your story and for offering hope, as I always welcome and need that. Cheers!
Congratulations!
Lisa, You are wished everything wonderful. You’ve worked hard and shared so much of your healing and recovery. Your words and your experience have brought hope to my heart. Thank you. Celebrate and enjoy!
Congratulations. You are AWE-s.o.m.e.
Warm congratulations to you.
Your open-hearted story is an inspiration to many client I see who could never imagine risking to love again.
Many thanks.
This is sooo moving, so touching, so wise. I am so proud of you and I am so happy and thirilled for you both.
With so much love, Mom 🙂
Mazel tov!
love.
Thank you for sharing.
Now you can start a new blog…’The Beginning of a New Life’! ‘Glottis’, Jeff and I are so happy for you! Take care, and know you always have a home in Alabama with friends to welcome you with open arms and paws.
Congrats!
May each day of your new life be more joyful than the last.
Have a great wedding and a wonderful marriage.
I am in tears now after reading this post. First off congrats on your newest marraige. And second thank you for the “hope” you have given me. Im looking forward to changing my ending to a happy ending. =)
You are so deserving of all the happiness in the world. For you have given me and so many others so much. Words can not express the gratitude I feel towards you and your blog. You have come such a long way, my sister, and I so want to get to where you are.
Your blog has been a blessing and I look forward to every post. I felt your pain as my relationship ended similar to yours and I am still trying to pick up the pieces and be happy about my new life.
Thank You and Congratulations on your New Life! – Joan
You are so deserving of all the happiness in the world. For you have given me and so many others so much. Words can not express the gratitude I feel towards you and your blog. You have come such a long way, my sister, and I so want to get to where you are.
Your blog has been a blessing and I look forward to every post. I felt your pain as my relationship ended similar to yours and I am still trying to pick up the pieces and be happy about my new life.
Thank You and Congratulations on your New Life! – Joan
What a wonderful blog post! You have left hope, so much hope. Enjoy your well deserved break.
Wow, that was beautiful! Congratulations, and enjoy your honeymoon! 🙂
Often, the most difficult times in our lives are blessings in disguise, because they lead to changes and opportunities that take life from mediocre to amazing.
O