Angela Dunne’s reflections on the “last days” experienced during divorce. Today is the last day of school for yet another year that flew by in the blink of an eye. The last day of school signifies the end of a season. My girls and I look forward to this day each year. To mark the…
A letter to the moms I have worked with over the last 20 years Dear Moms, I have been watching you for years. I have been listening to your struggles. I have been hearing your hope. You have been teaching me strength, grit, persistence, passion, and loyalty. You have been showing me the path of…
We were at the dinner table and my 12 and 14 year-old daughters were snickering about something their dad did. I joined in on what I thought was light-hearted fun: I said something negative about their dad. The conversation and chuckling came to a screeching halt. “What just happened?” I wondered as a chill crept…
Back in 2012, Angela celebrated her first birthday post-divorce. As her birthday was this week, we re-visit how she felt on that day. I love my birthday. Love it. And I don’t care that it sounds self-centered. I believe wholeheartedly in self celebration. I appreciate reflecting on the year I have just journeyed through, seeing…
Looks can be deceiving. While things may seem easier for others, take a closer look, and maybe you will find some compassion. “You have it so much easier because you only have your kids half the time.” He made this statement a couple of times during our conversation. The first time it fell out of…
Intentionally Curious Part 3: Co-Parenting Conversations I sat down at my table and took a few deep breaths to calm the nerves or nausea that toiled in my stomach. I already felt like crying and my former spouse hadn’t even arrived yet. Maybe I should send a text that I wasn’t feeling well and we…
Parents with Patience Part 2: A Co-Parenting Conversation Series “Are you going to respond?” “Please respond.” “I am not going to bring Billy’s baseball shoes that he needs until you answer my question about the summer parenting dates in 5 months.” “I need a response.” “Are you too busy to be a good parent?” “I…
Time to Talk Part 1: A Co-Parenting Conversation Series I can’t remember ever having felt nervous with my former spouse. Maybe twenty years ago when we met on April 1, 1999. For my last year of law school, my sister and I moved into a quaint duplex near the state capitol. He was the boy…
I am not sure which of us was more excited or more nervous. My daughter was coming to court after school to watch me. This was the first time in her 14 years that she had taken interest in what her mom does. After watching me spend atypical evenings and weekends working on what I…
Last week, Angela had one of the most complicated and intense trials of her career. She was reminded of this blog she wrote back in 2016, and the timeless advice contained within. I could feel it before I could see it. I knew immediately that something was off. I walked down the courthouse corridor, unaware…