In that moment, I knew that I would always be okay.

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Now I can see the strength in a calm center, the strength in a quiet voice, the strength in a deep breath, the strength in releasing emotion through tears.

I only have a glimpse of it now but I think I’m starting to understand that we are parents forever.

I have learned so much…about addiction, about love, about my husband, about myself, about forgiveness and acceptance and everything in between.

I found myself by the fire with a sleeping baby across my lap, so content to be that mama. The one who spent her ski day on the bottom half of the mountain. Teaching, carrying, holding, schlepping, feeding, rocking, documenting, encouraging. A different kind of badass.

I’ve heard people talk about the craziness of life like a hamster on a wheel. I think it’s more like a hike.

I promise to be in your corner for your battles. I promise to let you know when I am struggling through a battle of my own.

When divorce happens, we wonder how we’ll make it through. For me, I worried most how my daughter would make it through.