August In a Nutshell

 A Turbulent End to July: A Mother's Triumph and Struggle ❤

As July drew to a close, I found myself reeling from a whirlwind of events. Despite starting the month with optimism, I was thrust into a maelstrom of challenges that tested my resole.

Firstly, I had to navigate a grueling court appearance, fighting to clear my name after being falsely charged with a felony. The ordeal had been ongoing since November, and I'd been working tirelessly to prove my innocence. With my background in paralegal studies and a passion for law, I took matters into my own hands, crafting my own motions and building a case without legal assistance. The experience was daunting, but my determination to protect my life and reputation drove me forward.

Finally, after months of struggle, my case is being dismissed due to the initial misunderstanding. The relief was palpable, but my joy was short-lived.

....My Jay, who had been exhibiting troubling behavior for months, was now facing consequences. His actions had caught up with him, and he was placed in a detention center. Our phone calls are now reminiscent of my conversations with my own father, a prisoner for life. My son is learning that his actions have repercussions, and I'm forced to treat him with the same tough love I show my father – acknowledging his mistakes and refusing to enable him.

The emotional toll is immense. Some days, I feel like I'm barely holding on, missing my son dearly. Yet, when he calls, I must remain stoic, recognizing his attempts to manipulate me. I've maintained boundaries, refusing to visit him in detention, just as I promised. Still, I support him financially, emotionally, and through regular communication.

The journey has been UBEARABLE, but I'm relieved that others are finally acknowledging my son's behavior as a choice, rather than solely attributing it to mental health issues. I've long advocated for this understanding, and it brings me a sense of vindication.

As I move forward, my heart remains heavy, but I'm determined to continue advocating for myself and my son, even in the face of adversity. (His last photos before he got detained)

A Journey of Resilience and Redemption

As I sit here, reflecting on the past few months, I'm reminded of the power of forgiveness, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of life. My husband and I are back together, a development I never thought possible just a few weeks ago. 

We've been communicating again since the end of July, and I didn't think we'd be lying in the same bed tonight, but God is good. It's been hard, to say the least. We were facing divorce, despite my never wanting one, and had reached a point of no return last year. But August taught me that sometimes you must stop responding to pettiness.

He got into a relationship with someone opposite from me in every aspect, and I would have done the same given our emotional state. He admitted to his other relationship, and there were things I didn't want to hear, but I listened to understand, and the same has been true for him.

Every day is a challenge as we work through family, new schedules, and new lives, trying to get everything in motion as a team. October 15 will mark our second year of "marriage," but we got married in 2022, already over but still together. Relationships die, and it would have been easier to stay broken up and never figure out the problem, but God brought us back together. 

This is the healthiest we've been in our decade together. We listen, talk, walk over but come right back, apologize, and are open with each other no matter how hard it may be to hear.

Being together for a decade hasn't been easy, and there have been situations, but never infidelity, so this hit me hard and cut deep, especially being bashed on social media with lies and disrespect. But I've learned resilience, and my mama, Desi and Sheena, have been my rocks through all this. My mother-in-law and I are restoring our relationship as well and it has been great.

(MIL and I) 💜

(My mama and Mama-in-law) 💛

(The family) 💗

School was getting hard, but believing in myself and my family has been my focus. Our children went through physical and emotional turmoil when the family broke up, but our family talking and bonding has helped build our foundation more each day.

I've received messages and comments about my name change, and I'm Deomondra Ayanna Edwards, with Hughes to be legally changed in a few weeks. I was ashamed and embarrassed after being bashed by the person he had a relationship with, but I've never bashed her nor will I. I'm a woman of morals and beliefs, and I'll always tell the truth. 

(Daddy and Kids)

(Playing MK with Daddy) 😍

I'm working on my happiness, and right now, I'm happy. I thought my marriage was over,  but I'm glad to have my husband and marriage building, and my children are happy to see their Daddy changing and their parents showing them healthy love and restoration.

A Heartfelt Thank You 💓

As I take a moment to reflect on the recent transitions in my life and my family's, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has checked in on us. Your kindness and concern mean the world to me, even if we don't speak regularly. Your prayers and well wishes have been a constant source of comfort and strength.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for supporting me through the ups and downs. I'm grateful for your presence in my life and for the love you've shown my family.

I'm excited to share that I'll be writing more regularly on Broken Beauty, starting with a break this weekend. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It means everything to me.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you again for being an integral part of my community. Your love and support are a blessing. 💖