28 years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. I was filled with such love and JOY and gratitude! Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. I’ve been hesitant to share this as I worried I might be judged.
I’ve actually given birth 3 times: first to my daughter, then my son, and finally to my book “Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom” in 2018.
I was riding the high of my book “Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom” being published and the good reviews. Just one week later, I received a phone call from my son that turned my world absolutely upside down.
What was shared that day left me absolutely devastated. I couldn’t get out of bed for almost 2 weeks. I felt like I was coming apart inside and was so raw; like a wounded animal, I reacted badly.
This has led to an 18 month estrangement between me and my son. The devastation and pain that comes from estrangement is indescribable. At some point, finally I was able to see a glimmer of light. Rather than staying stuck and miserable, I dug into my toolbox of positive strategies to claim my life back.
As much as there will always be hurt, I have emerged even stronger, more compassionate, aware, and most of all, resilient.
I share this with you to offer comfort that, whether you are going through the pains of being estranged with a child, or something else: you are not alone. It is possible to let go and move on. First you have to give yourself permission to be happy.
If you want help moving forward and claiming your life back, small semi private healing groups are forming now. You’ll experience the comfort of knowing others understand and you will learn positive strategies to move from darkness into the light again.
Click here for more information about semi-private healing groups.
Originally published at StephanieDalfonzo.com