Today was my daughter’s third birthday party, and it was truly magical. The theme was all things princess, and the house was transformed into a royal kingdom filled with tiaras, glitter, and smiles. Her little friends came dressed as princesses, each one glowing with joy as they twirled and played. The laughter of the kids filled the air, and their happiness was contagious. It was one of those days where everything just felt right. While the little ones enjoyed their fairy tale world, the adults naturally gravitated to conversation, sharing stories, and catching up.
During the flow of or conversation, two of my friends shared that they were filing for divorce. For a moment, my heart felt heavy, and I was had a flash back to my own journey. Divorce is never an easy word to hear, and it carries so much weight. We had a deep, heartfelt talk, and I found myself offering words of encouragement and perspective as someone who has walked that road. It’s a path filled with challenges, especially when it comes to custody of the kids, but there is light on the other side. I could see how much they needed someone to remind them of their strength and resilience, and I felt grateful to be that person in their moment of need.
Hearing their struggles reminded me of how blessed I am to have reached a place of peace in my life. Co-parenting isn’t perfect, but it’s manageable, and I’m no longer consumed by the constant stress and fights that once defined that part of my life. It saddens me to see how common divorce has become, how easily sacred bonds seem to break in today’s world. But at the same time, it’s a testament to the strength of women. When we make up our minds to leave, it’s often after deep thought, evaluation, and countless sacrifices. Women are powerful, and that power shines even in the face of heartbreak.
As the day came to an end and the princesses exchanged hugs goodbye, I couldn’t help but reflect on the importance of support. We need to be there for one another, to fix each other’s crowns when they slip and remind each other of our worth. At the end of the day, we are all Hashem’s children, deserving of love, compassion, and strength to navigate life. Today was not just a celebration of my daughter’s birthday but also a reminder of the resilience of women and the bonds that hold us together.
Emunah