Candace, no—YOU rule! Thanks for doing everything you've done to make your vision for this book become a reality. It's going to touch so many people.

Jessica, sadly, your experiences are proof that there's widespread societal confusion, negative stereotypes and prejudice when it comes to divorce. I'm so sorry you have to deal with that aftermath every day, but I hope you've found (or will soon find) your escape hatch into a better, post-divorce life.

Matt, thanks for sharing your perspective. I often wonder and worry what my kids will say about all of this by the time they're in their twenties. I think the fact that my husband and I have solid relationships with our exes (the other parents of our children), that everyone is happily remarried, and that we all live in the same town have given our kids good examples of forgiveness and hope after sadness. (At least I hope and pray that will be how they see it.)

Laura, it's great to "meet" you! I'm glad you somehow found my blog. Your work sounds perfectly aligned with the tone of this book and the life the women featured in it are trying to live out. I'm looking forward to finding out more about what you do.

Robin, thanks for sharing yet another different, wonderful life story that hinges on divorce. We're glad your parents found each other, too. :) And I think you're right—the important perspective to have on this issue is one that balances hope and realism.

Julie, I truly am SO excited to be a part of this community with you. I never imagined that the relationships would be as rewarding (if not more) as having my words published in a book. And I love your analogy: "Think of this as your invitation to an online party celebrating all that is resilient in the human spirit." Perfect.

Natalie, thanks so much. I must say, it means a lot to be connected again to a few people like you who knew me well in my "other life" (ie: first marriage), in another city and state. Sometimes all of these parts of my story seem so disparate that it's hard to see how I'm one person through them all, living one complicated but cohesive life. In a small but meaningful way, you commenting on my blog makes a difference.