The Big D

By now the news has broken. Dennis and I are divorced. Yes, it is true, I said it, divorced. Or this may be the first you are hearing of it.

Some will judge me a sinner. And that’s okay. Others will know we are all sinners, and rest in the fact that God knows the details without fretting themselves about my soul. God and I have hashed it out. I have literally sat at His feet or sought refuge in His lap every step of the past 23 years. There has never been a moment of silence between God and I on the subject of my marriage—even in this decision. I have cried out and clung to Him through every step. For those who judge me a sinner—rest easy, we all are, and my God is full of grace.

Many may feel tempted to tell me the secret to fixing a marriage and try to guide me on another path, but just know—this isn’t that situation.

Some will view me as a hero—a woman of strength and power. But the truth is that I am only a flawed woman, who attempted to survive in a flawed marriage with a flawed man. A point came where I had to invite him to pick up his flaws, while I picked up my own, and walk our separate ways. And for me—that was the right decision.

Some who have walked beside me will be stunned. Yes, I was silent about my marriage struggles and separation other than to only a small handful of people. To those who are stunned, I’m sorry if my closed lips have hurt you. If you have read my blogs and memoir you know that I’ve been pretty transparent over the years—other than in this case. Some have noticed that Dennis has been absent from my photos for a couple of years now. I simply needed to remain quiet until now.

Sometimes, over the years, I blogged about what I hoped for in my marriage, on other occasions I wrote what I valued, and for a long time I wrote very little at all. It has been hard to write in the midst of the muck. Right now I am in a quiet space of contemplation, journaling, and prayerful conversations with God while I heal, rebuild, and walk through whatever the future has for me and my adult children.

As I move forward, I know there will be decisions that cannot be made through prayer and reflection alone. Divorce changes more than a relationship between two people. It affects a family, and even when children are grown, they still have their own feelings, questions, and adjustments to make. There are also practical matters that have to be faced as two lives that were once joined begin moving in separate directions.

Some of those decisions require careful legal guidance. When emotions are already heavy, understanding your rights and responsibilities can bring a measure of clarity to an otherwise uncertain time. For someone facing the legal side of divorce, speaking with a family lawyer can make the process easier to understand. The Law Office of Lisa A. Vance, P.C. is one resource a person might consider when navigating these difficult family decisions. The legal process is only one part of rebuilding a life, but having clarity around it can make the next steps feel a little less overwhelming.

Family changes can sometimes bring concerns that extend beyond divorce, particularly when an older relative or someone who cannot make important decisions independently suddenly needs protection. An unexpected illness, an accident, or a change in a person’s ability to care for themselves may leave family members trying to work out who can make urgent decisions on their behalf.

In such circumstances, emergency guardianship may become necessary when immediate legal authority is needed to protect a person’s well-being or manage essential matters. Johnson Law Group handles emergency guardianship matters, where the urgency of the situation and the person’s individual needs must be carefully considered.

These decisions can be difficult for families, especially when they arise without warning, but understanding the legal requirements and gathering the necessary information can help relatives determine what steps to take.

Family transitions often bring legal questions that require careful consideration, especially when separation affects children, property, or financial responsibilities. During these difficult periods, Divorce Matters may involve understanding legal rights, resolving disagreements, and deciding how responsibilities will be managed after a marriage ends. A divorce attorney helps individuals understand the process and prepare for the changes ahead.

Alongside the emotional adjustments that come with major family changes, addressing urgent legal responsibilities can help provide some stability when a loved one’s safety and care are at stake. To those who have tightly gripped my hand and loved me no matter where I was in the journey to here—thank you. Your unwavering love for me as I wrestled with the inevitable emotional upheaval has been bedrock to build upon.

I appreciate each and every one of the people in my life—both in person and virtually. Thanks for supporting me in the past and into my new future.