"Overcoming a Foreign Court Battle: Strength and Love as a Mother and Woman"

I was raised in Japan and worked as a flight attendant for 14 years. Those were busy, yet fulfilling years, full of learning and meaningful encounters. Then, in 2002, I moved to the UK — a decision that marked a major turning point in my life. Marriage, the birth of my son, and eventually, divorce — these experiences reshaped my world.

The five years I spent going through the divorce proceedings were the most difficult period of my life. My ex-husband never once spoke to me directly about wanting a divorce. One day, completely out of the blue, I received a letter from the court. It stated that I had to appear for a hearing in just five days. With no time to prepare — emotionally or legally — I suddenly found myself standing in a courtroom, not even knowing where to begin.

The first mediation session I attended felt as though the mediator was firmly on my ex-husband’s side. I remember feeling utterly alone, as if there wasn’t a single person in this country who would stand by me. When my ex-husband submitted a statement full of lies, designed to strengthen his position in court, I was devastated. It shook me to the core and left me unable to trust anyone.

But even then, I refused to give up. "I've done nothing wrong. I will be honest, truthful, and stand up for myself." With that resolve, I faced every obstacle head-on. At first, I felt painfully alone — but gradually, people who supported me began to appear. Thanks to their help and encouragement, I was able to push back against many of my ex-husband’s unreasonable demands, and in the end, I received the outcome I had hoped for.

This time was also incredibly hard for me as a mother. My son was only six years old at the time, too young to fully grasp what was happening. He often cried, overwhelmed and confused by the conflict between his parents. When I found out that he thought it was all his fault — that “Mummy and Daddy are fighting because of me” — my heart broke.

That’s why I made sure to keep talking with him, over and over again. "It's not your fault,” I told him. “Mummy and Daddy, both love you very much." Even though I carried complicated emotions in my own heart, I still told him that his Daddy loved him. I believed it was the best thing I could do to protect his heart.

To be honest, I don’t think I could have made it through without my son. His presence gave me the strength to move forward. I kept thinking, “This can’t go on — we have to be happy, just the two of us.” That determination became my driving force. He is, without question, the most precious thing in my life.

As a mother, a woman, and a human being, I learnt so much through this experience. Above all, I’ve learnt the importance of being true to yourself and having the courage to fight for the ones you love. The strength and confidence I gained through this journey — I believe it has been passed on to my son as well.

. No matter how hard life gets, if you keep moving forward with love and honesty, I truly believe that path will one day become a light — one that protects you and those you love most.

Would you like to uncover the strength that lies within you?

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