The Crossroads: A Life She Didn’t See Coming
For five years, Christie was a stay-at-home mom, fully devoted to raising her children. She had built her world around them—navigating nap schedules, preschool drop-offs, and endless loads of laundry. Life wasn’t always easy, but it was predictable.
Until, suddenly, it wasn’t.
✔ Her husband left without warning.
✔ He filed for full custody and falsely accused her of neglect and abuse.
✔ She found herself needing income, childcare, legal support, and a place to live—all at once.
"I immediately took on three jobs just to avoid homelessness. I had no choice—I had to fight for my children, for stability, and for myself."
It was a painful, exhausting transition, but she wasn’t going to let her circumstances define her.
As she worked around the clock, she also took a step toward a new career that she could build on her terms—going back to school to become a Perinatal Coach.
"I’m now building my business flexibly, in a way that supports my family."
The Challenges: Fighting for Stability While Facing False Accusations
- Legal & Financial Battles
Her husband didn’t just leave—he made it his mission to erase her from their children’s lives.
✔ Filed for full custody.
✔ Accused her of neglect and abuse.
✔ Filed a protection order against her.
"Apparently, this happens in 50% of divorce cases, with men statistically more likely to make false accusations."
But knowing this was common didn’t make it any less devastating.
- No Immediate Income or Housing
One day, she was a full-time mom. The next, she was:
✔ Job hunting while couch-surfing.
✔ Calling lawyers, knowing she couldn’t afford them.
✔ Figuring out where her kids would sleep next. - Physical & Emotional Toll
The stress was unbearable. She was mentally exhausted, physically drained, and constantly sick. But when you’re fighting for survival, you don’t get sick days.
"I was sick a lot during the in-between time, trying to work more, earn more, and build a stable career so I wouldn’t have to work myself into the ground forever."
What Worked (and What She’d Do Differently)
✔ Emergency Support From a Friend
"A friend provided overnight childcare so I could work overnight shifts when I had no other options."
✔ Taking Control of Her Career
She knew working three jobs forever wasn’t sustainable. Going back to school gave her the ability to work flexibly and on her own terms.
✔ Rebuilding a Support System
She found women who had been through similar situations, and their advice and encouragement gave her the strength to keep going.
What she’d do differently?
Avoid a surprise divorce and plan a separation respectfully.
"I wish I had seen the signs earlier and had more control over how things unfolded."
The Tools & Resources That Helped
📌 Emergency Support From Friends – Overnight childcare made it possible for her to work when she had no options.
📌 Chayah Ministries – Supports women who have experienced trauma, abuse, or incarceration, helping them heal and rebuild their lives. Christie is now a support group leader.
📌 Single Mom & Survivor Communities – Connecting with other moms who had been through similar experiences was life-changing.
"Find your people. The ones who understand. The ones who won’t let you drown."
Christie’s Advice: You Can’t Do This Alone—Find Support
✔ Find a community, group, or friend who’s been through it.
"You will need people. No one should have to go through this alone."
✔ Have a plan—even if you don’t think you need one.
"If there’s any instability in your relationship, know what your backup plan is. Who could watch your kids? Where could you stay? What job could you take immediately?"
✔ Prioritize long-term stability over short-term survival.
"At first, I just worked non-stop to stay afloat. But once I could, I shifted into a career that let me work less and earn more. If you’re stuck in survival mode, start planning your next step as soon as you can."
✔ Your life isn’t over—even if it feels like it.
"You are stronger than you think. You will get through this. And one day, you’ll be the one helping someone else through it."
Christie’s Both& Moment: Rebuilding After Loss & Finding Strength in the Process
Christie’s story is painful, raw, and real—but it’s also a testament to resilience.
✔ She was both devastated and determined.
✔ She took on both immediate jobs to survive and built a long-term career for stability.
✔ She found that even after both heartbreak and legal battles, she could still rebuild.
This wasn’t about having all the answers—it was about surviving the hardest moments and fighting for a better future.
Why This Story Matters for Both&
- Brings Awareness to the Realities of Divorce & False Accusations – Many single moms face legal battles they never expected.
- Highlights the Financial & Emotional Toll of Being a Suddenly Single Parent – Single parents need better resources, childcare support, and legal protection.
- Proves That You Can Rebuild a Career on Your Own Terms – Christie is now creating a life she controls—not one dictated by circumstances.
- Encourages Women to Have a Safety Net, Even if They Don’t Think They Need One – A backup plan isn’t pessimistic—it’s smart.
