L. Smith Photography
~Shemeka Michelle
One year ago today I divorced the man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. The meaning of “‘til death do us part” now meant for me the death of a relationship that I initially thought was eternal. I remember feeling numb right after court. The world was revolving around me but I felt like I was frozen in time. I remember waking up the next morning crying. I had this sudden unexpected feeling of loneliness. I also remember feeling uncovered and like damaged goods. I wondered who would want me; a woman who was divorced with three children. I remember praying and asking for my heart to be completely healed so that I was able to love again like I had never been hurt; trust like I had never been betrayed and hope like my dreams hadn’t just been shattered. I felt desolate and ashamed. I was embarrassed that I couldn’t hold my marriage together. I felt like a complete failure, an incomplete woman and I didn’t recognize who I saw in the mirror.
However, what a difference a year makes! Last night (Naked Girlz) spoke at NCCU. Though extremely nervous, I was confident that I had a message that needed to be heard. After all, I’m still standing! Life isn’t perfect or struggle free but I’m living and glad about it! Prior to going to NCCU last night, I looked in the mirror and realized I knew the woman looking back! This was the confident person that I knew lived within. She looked strong, wise and her lip gloss was popping! This morning upon realizing the date, instead of feeling pity, I looked in the mirror and smiled. It was dazzling and will serve as a reminder to everyone who sees it that there is life after death!