For the last 7 years, I've written on a blog called One Page at a Time. It was my personal blog and always had the tagline: Through a writer's eyes, the world is a tale to be told... The blog was characterized by stories of my life, little adventures, hardships, triumphs, and eventually my letters to strangers. But more than anything, One Page at a Time was about my marriage. There were posts about anniversaries, vacations, mundane daily occurrences, and my husband's chronic pain.
Now it's time to write about my pain. It's time to lay One Page at a Time to rest and start a new chapter, and therefore, a new blog. My life is forever changed. I must move forward from here in a new role: widow. I must grieve, learn, accept, and adapt. The woman who wrote One Page at a Time is still here, but she's different. And her story has taken such a turn that it now feels impossible and wrong to continue on the same page, chapter, and blog. A new beginning has presented itself to me, and though it was not my choice, I am choosing to welcome it.
And just as Rick would want me to, I will use my writing to cope, to heal, and to reach.
Now it's time to write about my pain. It's time to lay One Page at a Time to rest and start a new chapter, and therefore, a new blog. My life is forever changed. I must move forward from here in a new role: widow. I must grieve, learn, accept, and adapt. The woman who wrote One Page at a Time is still here, but she's different. And her story has taken such a turn that it now feels impossible and wrong to continue on the same page, chapter, and blog. A new beginning has presented itself to me, and though it was not my choice, I am choosing to welcome it.
And just as Rick would want me to, I will use my writing to cope, to heal, and to reach.
You are an amazing woman, Arielle! I'm so glad you are going to continue to write and tell your story. <3
ReplyDeleteArielle your strength is amazing. I hope this blog helps you find the peace you need.
ReplyDeleteArielle,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for several years now and though I tend to lurk, I want you to know that I'm still reading. I don't know if there's anything I can do to help you through this awful time in your life. But I guess I just wanted to say that I care and I'm praying for you.
I'm so sorry life events have necessitated a blog like this. The positive part of this is your wonderful writing ability, your insight and your willingness to share. I may have met you as a student....but Arielle, you continue to teach me and amaze me. I'm so glad the universe connected us. Love you!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog (both the eating disorder blog and your personal one) for years from across the world (I live in a small country called Estonia in the Northeastern part of Europe). I know that I am a complete stranger and so my words might not mean much, might not help much (could any words even help in such a situation?), but I am really sorry for your loss. And also I wanted to say that you, the work you do and the way you see life, your drive and willingness to help people, to spread hope and positivity have been a true inspiration to me all the years I have read your blogs. Many of your words and thoughts have really helped me! I really-really do hope that you somehow get through this. I would also say that "be brave", but I think you are a vary brave person anyway :)
ReplyDeleteAriel, my heart hurts for you. You are incredibly strong to move forward like this. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
ReplyDeleteArielle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your life with Rick with us. Although I did not know him personally, through your writing I felt I did.
May you feel the love and support from near and far from those of us that you have loved and supported. We are here with you.
Arielle... my heart and body ache for you. You're such a kind hearted soul who exerts so much energy and time helping others that it saddens me that you're going through this. Another moment where I wish life was more fair... I'll be reading. You matter. Your thoughts matter.
ReplyDeleteYou are one hell of a woman, Arielle. Truly.
ReplyDeleteI love that even though your heart is broken, your "fingers still work." They do, and you have amazing and important things to say. I hope that writing through this can perhaps help heal you - in time. And I will be here, every step of the way, reading. <3
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you, Arielle. You are going to get through this of that I have no doubt. Your strength shines through it all like a beacon in the night. I'll be here..reading and commenting when I think it will help. Just take it one day at a time until you can fly again. Hugs, Rose in Nebraska
ReplyDeleteDear Arielle,
ReplyDeleteI have followed you on Youtube and through your blogs for a few years now and you have helped me more than I can tell you. I'm am so terribly sorry for your loss and I send you much much love during this difficult time. I will be here following your new blog and supporting you every step of the way <3
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone.
ReplyDeleteI love you - heaps and oceans always. This is dreadful beyond words but you are not alone, no matter how that may feel angel xxx
ReplyDeleteDearest Arielle,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Soledad, I may have comented once or twice on One Page at a Time, but mostly I just lurked. You have always been a source of inspiration, and I have always related to you because I too had anorexia and recovered. Today I clicked on your blog, as I had not read it in several weeks, and what I learned broke my heart! I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through, how you must feel, just know that even though I don´t know you, my heart is aching for you right now and from this corner of the blog world, I just want to express my deepest condolences to you. I think that starting another blog is a wonderful idea, and if you feel that writing(as it has always done for you) helps you navigate this terrible moment in your life, write, write, write! Those of us who have followed you through the years will be here, to listen, even from far away.
You are SO strong, SO beautiful, SO corageous, you WILL get through this!
All my love,
Soledad