artificial insemination syringe
Each morning, after I drop my kids off at school, I watch them walk in and silently wish them well, then I head out for a run. Following that, I indulge in my daily ritual of grabbing a Coke Zero from my favorite fast food spot. They know me by name, frequently ask what I’m working on, and occasionally, they hand me my drink without asking for payment, sending me on my way with a smile.
However, this morning was different. As soon as the cashier noticed my puffy, red eyes and tear-streaked face, she immediately asked, “What’s wrong?!”
“Adele just released a new song about divorce, and it’s hitting hard,” I admitted.
She handed me my drink and slowly stepped back, clearly sensing my emotional state.
If you see folks wandering around this weekend with smudged makeup or wearing sunglasses indoors, they’re likely listening to ‘Easy On Me’ on repeat, just like I am. No matter how many times I tell myself it’ll be the last listen, I find I can’t resist.
I’ve always appreciated Adele’s music, but even those who aren’t as passionate about her as I am recognize how her songs resonate deeply. She holds nothing back and has a unique talent for expressing heartbreak.
As a divorced woman, many of her songs evoke powerful emotions related to my marriage, family, and divorce. Let’s be honest: if you’ve experienced the end of a marriage, it leaves lingering feelings that are hard to shake. A song can transport you back to moments you’d rather forget.
Adele’s ‘Easy On Me’ struck me more profoundly than any other song. It felt like a heartfelt message to her son regarding her divorce, delivered in a way I hadn’t encountered before, yet I felt every emotion she conveyed.
When we listen to music, we often hear our own stories reflected in the lyrics. During my first listen, it was as if my heart was opened wide, revealing the words I’ve longed to express to my children since their father and I separated.
I had the best intentions
And the highest hopes
But I know right now
It probably doesn’t even show
There have been moments when I wanted to share this with them during their frustrations, when I mishandled situations, or on days when my emotions overwhelmed me and affected my parenting. Yet, I held back, feeling it wasn’t fair to burden them. That’s guilt talking.
It’s absolutely okay to tell your kids—or anyone else—that you’re going through a challenging time and need them to be patient with you.
It’s more than acceptable to acknowledge that you’ve caused someone pain and still ask for their understanding.
It’s completely fine to experience a marriage that doesn’t work out, feel guilty about it, and struggle to keep it together for your children.
As a divorced mom, you don’t have to suppress all the emotions that come with divorce and pretend to be unbreakable all the time.
I eagerly await the release of the full album in November—there will surely be a shortage of tissues when it arrives.
While this song is a plea for compassion from others, if you’re navigating a divorce (or any tough situation), remember to show yourself some grace as well. And if you need a reminder, just play ‘Easy On Me’ by Adele once—or twenty-five times like I did.