I was born in Cumberland, Maryland a small town located in the western part of the state. I moved to Florida in the early 80’s after my hometown love relocated here to attend the University of Florida. Upon graduating, we got married and gave birth to our beautiful daughter Brittany in 1985.
Unfortunately my marriage only lasted less than five years, thus began my life as a single mother struggling to make it on my own.
I worked at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida full-time and attended college at night. Everyday brought challenges, but my focus and priority was my daughter.
After being a single mom for 8 years I met my second husband and re-married in 1997 and gave birth to my first son, Zachary, in 1998. It was at that time I decided to quit my job and become a full-time Mom. Two years later I had my second son, Julian. My life was finally complete as I had a wonderful husband and family. Unfortunately, life sometimes does not turn out the way you had hoped for.
My second marriage was in distress and ended up being shattered beyond repair. After almost 6 years of marriage to my second husband, I was then entangled in a very bitter and ugly divorce. Not only was I facing another divorce, but I had to fight for custody of my children. The pain, anguish, fear, and hopelessness left me emotionally and physically debilitated. I spiraled down in to a deep dark depression which left me with no will or desire to live.
Having tremendous faith in God, and my truly wonderful family and friends enabled me to fight my way back to being a much healthier, stronger, courageous, independent woman and mother. My life is now defined by accepting life as a single mom, raising my children to be Godly, happy, healthy, and compassionate individuals. Also, living my passion of impacting lives and making a difference in the world through Divorce Diva Wear.
As the divorce rate continues to escalate and more women are becoming single with or without children, we need to remember our inner strength, integrity and beauty that make us all unique. We as women need to unite and support one another as we face life’s trials and tribulations.
My philosophy on life has always been to : keep the faith, see the glass half full and not half empty, make lemonade out of lemons, surround yourself with true, honest people and remember to always do right by everyone, because it does come back around.
One last thing to remember; laugh, have fun and be inspired when you wear a DDW shirt! I would like to personally thank my family and friends for all their love, support, prayers and encouragement through a very dark and lonely time of my life: Mom, Dad, Papa Scott, MeeMaw, brother Phil(my hero), sister Nicki, sister Jamie, sister-in-law Carol, brother-in-law Pat, The “Fab Four” Brenda, Tarri, Michelle and my other sister friends; Jill, Dani, Andrea, Brenda Rider, Kristen, The Hounds Hollow neighbors and special friends; Kyle, Debbie Keech, Carol Cubbage,Ce, Chris, Karen, Phil, Suzanne, Wesley, Stephanie, Steve, Debbie, Jim, Sue, David, Janet, Tim, Brenda, Bill, Vicki, and the entire community who embraced me and my family during a very difficult and stressful time. Last, but not least, my children; Brittany, Zach and Julian and my new, beautiful, miracle grandson, Zeke. They are reminders of what my purpose in life is and the reason I work so hard to be the best I can be...they are truly what inspire me everyday of my life!
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my story and my unwavering faith in God. He truly is awesome!
A Divorce Diva, Tana L. Alvarez
