Lauren my friend, you knew this day would come. This is what you have been waiting for and I am glad that it's here at last. It is perfectly normal to have that ohmygod sinking feeling when you have those final papers in your hands, but it is also your green light to get going now with your own newer, happier life.
We have all been where you are right now. I distinctly remember walking out of the courtroom and feeling like all the air had suddenly been left out of me.
A few days later, another low, but after that....it got a whole lot better. I would think that moving back to California, where you have said you wanted to go, would be exciting in itself. Sometimes a long distance move like that will actually be beneficial in your overall healing process, Out of sight out of mind.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days, Please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting along!

I was walking on air when I left the courthouse with my papers in my hand.I so wanted to be away from the ex and his manipulations and stunts. It did hit me about a week later. The first year was hard until I paid off some of the farm payments I took over.

You have been looking forward to going home and now you can. Don't look back too much. Keep your thoughts and eyes forward on California and your new life. Yes, it's sad when a marriage dies but you know how much better off you will be. I look forward to hearing about your new life and how you are working towards that new life.

California sounds wonderful. There will be sunnier days ahead.

Best of luck with your move.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Don't know what I'd do with out you guys.

California, here you come! Just wear your head gear. I'll have a bottle of Asti Spumate to celebrate.

I am so sorry that you had to experience the pang of sadness again over getting your final papers. I am also sorry that I will be stuck here in the cold snow of Ohio while you are enjoying the warmth and sunshine of California. Feel the pain, grieve for the finallity of it all and then pack your flip flops and shorts and turn your back on the past and face the future with you head held high. Congratulations on showing the rest of us how to survive and start anew. this gives me hope! Big Hug

Those moments of shock or sadness do tend to pass more quickly as you go along, and they get further and farther between. I wish you much joy in your new adventure. Be happy, hon...

I hope that when that California sunshine hits you the cares will all melt away. {{{hugs}}}

I'm sad that you are having a difficult day, and I can sympathize, since I am going to my first mediation session with the stbx tomorrow, and I"m feeling very unsettled.
I wish I was done and divorced, so I'm envious of anyone who is finished and has final papers, but I know you have to go through a bit of grieving for the life you thought you would have with the ex.
I hope the grieving is very short, and the fun of getting back to California far outweighs the pain you had to go through to get to this point.
Hugs and support will always be available here. Let us know how you are doing with the move. I will have to move, also, but just to a different house, not a different state. Still, it can be hectic. It will be good for you to be on your own and making your life the best it can be.
((((((((((HUGS)))))))))

Here is a toast to your new life! Look ahead to a bright new future! So proud of you.

Bless you all for supporting me through this. Like I said before, I don't know what I would do with out you guys. I'll keep you posted on my journey.
Never forget I'm here for all of you as well.

HUGS,

Lauren

It's funny that things like official papers hit us so hard. We know it's over, but seeing it in print is always a shock. Hang on. Moving sounds like a great idea. I wish I could go with you....or anywhere.

KB

I liken the grabbing of papers to hearing the door slam loudly on a closed and empty house that was once full of warmth, sunshine and love. I imagine that once I have those papers in my hand, there will be many emotions. I can only say that these emotions are all good. let them flow.

The best of luck to you in this new chapter of your life.

I wish you all the best on your move and your new life. Its scary and things may seem uncertain..but it can only get better from here. Big Hugs...Kathy

A friend told me this at the beginning of my journey-you'll only have to do everything once. In other words, there won't be another time when the divorce papers come and you have to dred it. So its another chapter to turn the page on. One day at a time. Just keep that in mind and move forward.