When I was going through my divorce many years ago. I was alone. None of my friends had been divorced; in fact, they were all having the marriage I dreamed of. No one understood what I was feeling. I teared up listening to Jessica’s post the other day when she talked about not knowing what your future looked like. I felt that.

I remember being a new mom and grieving the life I thought I was going to have. (I filed for divorce when my daughter was only 2 months old.) Divorce is never what you think of when you get married and start a family. 
But God knew exactly what he was doing. I didn’t see it then through all of the pain and fear of the unknown but all of my dreams about marriage and family were going to be realized with someone else. 
I met David 3 weeks after my divorce was final. I had a 6 month old and an ex-husband who was not ready to be a parent. I had not been anywhere other than the Attorney’s office, court rooms and work since my daughter was born. A friend invited me out and I reluctantly went. We walked in a live music venue and she had some friends there so we sat with them. I sat next to this frat boy. Fresh out of college, and so adorable. We spent a couple hours getting to know each other, and at the end of the night he asked me for my number. I laughed, literally out loud because what guy would want me? A newly divorced woman with a kid? I did give him my number, but I was certain he was just being nice and would never actually call. 

About a week later, he did. And I said yes. That was 14 years ago. That frat boy was the answer to all of my prayers. My “knight in shining armor” was a frat boy in a dirty Jeep, fresh out of college! Not only did he restore my faith in men, he stepped into a role most 23 year olds would run from, being a dad. But he didn’t run instead he ran into it, with everything he had. He has shown me a true picture of unconditional love. 

He adopted my oldest 10 years ago and we have 2 additional children together.
He makes beautiful things out of ashes. ❤️
Thank you Jessica for this series. What a gift to hear others stories and know you are not alone, that people do understand your pain & struggle and be encouraged by their triumphs over the hard stuff. 

I am also so grateful for the opportunity to reflect. WhenI was going through it, I thought I would never find happiness or love again. But today, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. #duttongetanybetter a true statement and awesome hashtag ?