I’ve Read The Script And The Costume Fits
My WordPress dashboard tells me I’ve started writing this post and saved it seven eight times, so I’m just going to write it and publish it and hopefully get over the blogging block that’s been plaguing me for a year.
I also don’t want my blogging archives to go from 2015 straight to 2017 because continuity.
It’s been exactly a year since the children and I sold our house. It took me a week to move; we took the necessities to a very small apartment here in town and the rest went into a storage unit. When we moved into that old house in the woods, I thought it was the forever house, but the only guarantee regarding forever is ironically nothing is forever. Closing the door and leaving that life behind broke my heart into a gazillion pieces.
My divorce was finalized without fanfare in the summer of 2015. I found out the judge had signed off on the dissolution of my marriage via an email from my lawyer while I was in the nail salon getting a pedicure. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I look back on it now and sadly I can’t really visualize it any other way. Three years ago, my ex was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder and began to struggle with addiction, struggle being a gross understatement. Our life at the time unfolded into an absolute utter nightmare, I wouldn’t wish what he went through and continues to battle on my worst enemy. I think perhaps that him walking away from us was because he loved us, at least that’s what I tell myself in a deluded way of thinking that allowed me to get out of bed in the morning for the first six months after he left.
I bought a lovely townhouse in May and moved again for the second time in less than five months. I know it is rather cliché to divorce and live in a townhouse, but look, anything to keep from raking pine needles and cleaning gutters.
My kids are doing amazing and I can’t believe how lucky I am, they are my favorite humans.
Looking at these photos and typing this, it seems like a lifetime ago. I guess there are just some chapters you just don’t read aloud. Or in this case, some blog posts you just don’t publish.
I’m not going to sugarcoat this mess, shit was bleak, and I am so very proud of us, my little family. I feel like we can finally exhale and we are exactly where we were meant to be. It is weird and freaking scary and looks so much more different than I ever imagined, but I do know that fun becomes fun, love becomes love, and I am grateful.
Happy New Year to us all.
Jules
Heart emoji, Z.
Zak
Thanks, friend.
susannah murdock
Oh, how I’ve missed you! But also know firsthand how seriously effed up life can get. Welcome to the other side, if it can ever be that simple. Perhaps better to just say hi. And give you a (stupid digital) hug.
Xo.
Rebeca
Some years kick our asses, but then some years we kick ass. Lots of love for you and your kiddos.
Corrie
Oh Zak!! I am so, so, so very sorry. I know that doesn’t mean much coming from a complete stranger who lives halfway across the world, but I say out and mean it anyway. I am so proud of you and the offspring for being resilient!
If it makes you feel any better, we have posted a blog post since the summer of 2014! Completely different reasons, but a block nonetheless.
Every time I see squirrel stuff I think of you. I think I have shared some to your FB page, too. Aaaaaannnnndddd now I sound creepy. I’m not! Promise!
Anyway, I missed you and writing and your fun pictures.
Ashley Valentine
I’m glad to see you back, Z. Much love mama, and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Mona
You are beyond strong. Your kids truly benefit from your courage and strength. That last pic shows so much.
Traci Moore
Coming from a complete stranger, I was/am in the same boat you are. Married 24 years and divorce final Dec 14. Never pictured my life this way but it is what it is. The substance abuse is hard to watch but glad my kids are away from it. This is our new beginning too…moved into new house, sold old house, making new fun memories. It’s hard everyday but us mom’s are going to do what we hope is best for our babies!! Hoping 2017 brings us both joy and peace and laughter….hugs from Texas!!
Ps….have missed your blogs that made me roll with laughter reading them!!
Caron
God bless y’all! As Glennon says, life is brutiful. Here’s to a much better 2017!
Jennifer Jo
All the courage and love, friend. xo
Amber Bartell
You are strong and brave Z, and your kids are amazing humans because they have you as a role model.
Amber
Love to your little family.
Stephanie
So powerful and victorious! You inspire me big time. ❤️
Steph
Miranda
*hugs* from a long time lurker. Glad to see you back, I’ve missed you’re authentic voice.
Deb
I’m sorry, Zachary. I have thought of you often over the last year (especially when I see anything squirrel-related). I’m glad things are settling in for you.
Kate
Happy New Year to your family!! I am hoping this year is full of continued healing and joy. I am glad you are back to blogging, you were always fun to read!!
Kate S.
I have missed your blog posts so much and thought of you surprisingly often! I am so glad to see this post, even if it was wrought out of terrible pain. I hope 2017 brings you brighter things and that you’ll share them with us!
SJ
Sending good vibes. You are awesome.
LB
I’m with Miranda. Glad you’re back!
Liz
It is so nice to hear that you and your awesome kids are okay. Sometimes the only way out is through, and getting there is one step in front of the other. Congratulations on making it as far as you have!
Karen
I am so glad that you are back. I know I am a total stranger, but I have followed your blog for years now and always looked forward to it. You always made me smile and a lot of times laugh. I always thought you were someone it would be so fun to hang out with. I am so happy that your life is getting better. Wishing all the best for you and looking forward to your blogging again.
Ray Montana
Man, I’m glad you’re back! I’ve missed you and I relate to this post more than any you’ve ever published. Thank you. Hang in sister, sending strength and hugs.
Holland VanDieren
Welcome home.
Twinkle
I understand living with a person with a mental illness. It’s heartbreaking to not recognize the person you chose.
You are doing what’s best for you and your family. You are doing a great job. You are wonderful.
JennyMac372
Hi Z, I have missed your blog posts. Everytime I see squirrels, I think of you. Strangley, we moved in July and have had both flying squirrels and grey squirrels living in our addict…I can’t say I am not a huge fan, because I didn’t sleep for a month in October. ??
I am sorry to hear what you have been through in the past year or so. I use to work for NAMI-RI and I have heard many families speak of similar stories such as yours. Your children are so lucky to have such a strong mom to help them through it all. My wish for you is that 2017 brings you and your loved ones peace, comfort, hope and awesomeness! ❤
Leslie {Ms. Magpie}
Happy New Year. You have been missed and I wish you a brighter and lighter 2017 🙂
Deb F.
I am so glad to see you are all well. AND, this is so freaky. I thought just last night “I need to look to see if ‘Raising Colorado’ has surfaced. I do that sometimes: I think of something from long ago and the next day something crops up relating to it. If only I could use this to win the lottery. Good luck to you and your little family.
Liz
This is so much. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping you’re well. I pray that 2017 is a better year, in every possible way.
Erin
Sorry it’s been such a rough year. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Lindsay
Welcome back <3
Becky
Dude, you rock! I’m glad you’re back.
Erica
Glad you’re okay. Happy New Year!
Lydia
For joy that you are back! I have checked your blog at least once every two weeks to see what was up. So happy to hear you all are doing well. Divorce can be the most painful, altering, and liberating change of your life. Big hugs girl.
Shirley B.
So glad to see you back. You’ve got a lot of people you don’t even know pulling and praying for you and your kids. You are righteous.
Kimmee
Welcome Back!
Jessica
So sorry to hear about all your struggles. Not that it’s probably much comfort, but I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 back in 2009 (although I’ve probably had it at least 10 years longer than that) and haven’t blogged much in the past 18 months because my T1 was (psych) hospitalized last summer and most likely has BP1 also, although so far it’s just generic “mood disorder” because they were 11 at the time (13 now) and much more depressed than manic.
I wish you and your kids nothing but the absolute best. I also hope that your ex is smart enough to get the help he needs to get his life back together because it is possible to manage BP, just like it’s possible to manage T1. Both have their ups and downs and can turn on a dime, but over time you learn how to see things when they’re coming and help head them off and push through it and learn to cope and healthily deal with what comes.
Stay strong!
Megan
I Love your writing and have often checked back to see if there was an update. I’m so glad you are all doing ok. Also, I had a squirrel collection as a kid, and got rid of the whole collection. My kids decided I need to re-start it – and I now have a squirrel mug, my first piece.
Anyway – it sounds like it was so painful but glad to see things looking brighter for you! Thanks for the post, they always make me smile.
Tamara
OMG I’m just now reading this. Mazel tov to your threesome (you know what I mean). Sending love.
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Becky
Z- I was an avid reader for many years and stopped when it seemed you became very busy speaking. I just linked here from a FB memory of your homemade stain remover. Such enormous changes lived and challenges met. I’m very happy to read and see that you and yours are emerging through.
Jen
i miss your blog!!!