
When I brought this issue to my friends on Facebook, a powerful discussion came forth. What they helped me realize is that there were things from our former relationship that were still worth celebrating, most importantly, our three living children whom we continue to raise together. We share custody equally along with making joint medical, education, and other important decisions about our children. My ex-husband and I still very much have a relationship that centers around our children, one that legally will continue for another 6+ years and probably beyond.
In light of our co-parenting relationship, my friends dubbed May 28th “Co-Parenting Day,” a far more positive statement than “our former anniversary.” Each year on this day, rather than mourning what used to be between us, I celebrate the children we have raised successfully first as a couple and then as divorced individuals. I am eternally grateful to my friends for helping me create this new celebration, one that reminds me of the good things that came from and continue to come from my partnership with my ex-husband.
Happy Co-Parenting Day!
© 2015 Elizabeth Galen, Ph.D., Green Heart Guidance, LLC