Sandi's Place

[Amy M]

So, Sandi,

I see that you are still around the boards offering your great advice to those in need!!! I hope you'll stop by here and see my note. I've just had you on my mind lately, and I thought maybe that was God's way of saying I should stop in and tell you what's going on in my life, and ask you what's going on in yours????

I hope that your family is doing well. How's your daughter? How are you?

I'm doing fabulously!!! The 1-year anniversary of my divorce was June 12...it came and went and I didn't give it a whole lot of thought! The kids and I spent the day at the beach with friends we made in our divorce recovery class. It was a fantastic day!

My life in general is fantastic!!!! I can't begin to tell you about all the blessings that God has sent my way over the last two years when the mess started, but I'll share a few highlights...because I wouldn't be me if I didn't give some details of my life, now would I?

I'm finally getting motivated at work again. I have some exciting projects on the horizon, and I think I'm going to start enjoying my work again!

The boys are doing very well...my little man starts kindergarten in 3 weeks. They grow so fast! But, they are going to be fine. Over the 4th of July on our road trip to my family's, he told me (out of the blue), that he thought my brother was "doing the right thing by staying with the mom." My older one had a friend in the car with us and said, "That's right, but now's not the time to discuss that." In his own 5-year old language, he was letting me know that he understands that a man should stay married to the mother of his children! I was proud of that.

The ex is engaged to OW. She did send me a notecard right before they became engaged. It said, "Amy, I just wanted you to know that I think about how much I hurt you daily, and I am truly sorry!" It took me about a month to respond, and when I did respond, God and I (cause He actually wrote the words, I just held the pen), told her that I'd forgive them both because God wanted me to. But, that I would not condone her past or even current behavior (living with a man she's not married to in front of my boys). I told her that she'd be held accountable if any of her actions caused my boys to stumble, but I also admitted mistakes I had made in my spiritual walk and even told her that I loved my ex and wanted happiness for him. It was actually a very nice response...not nearly as judgemental as the first draft! God is good!

I taught my first ever Sunday school lesson about 3 weeks ago. The title..."Growing Through Adversity!" I think it went well, and several of the folks in the class thanked me afterward for being so open about some of the events in my life.

And, I'm dating...casually! Not one special guy yet...but, three pretty cool guys at the moment! I'm having fun. And, I'm learning so much about me and other people and the kind of person I'd like to share my life with! It's been such a great experience so far...all of the men I've met have said and done just the right things to make me feel special and attractive and wanted. Things my ex took away from me. I'm so glad I waited to date until I had my life back together. I'm gonna be an awesome catch for some lucky man some day!!!! But, I'm in no hurry!

So, not only did I survive, I'm thriving...just as you predicted I would. Sandi, I can't begin to thank you for all the kind and encouraging words you typed to me all hours of the day and night during those months following my crisis! You had such a big role in helping me to heal. I talk about this place often...and when I do, I always tell about you! I'm a much stronger and better woman after having survived the ordeal, and God and I are much closer than we were before! He's got good things in store for me...and likely some work He wants me to do too! And, I'm ready!!!! I sort of understand how draining it can be...physically and emotionally to offer your support to folks here. So, I just wanted you to know, that for me, all the "draining" on your part paid off big time! I wouldn't be nearly as far along on my road to a better future, without your love and support!

I'll send some prayers up for you and your family.

Much, much love!
Amy M.