Our first Angel Moms gathering of 2026 is in the books, and we are so grateful for this circle of brave women who chose to show up for each other. In one room we saw tears, laughter, stories about children in heaven, and the kind of understanding you only find with other moms who carry this kind of loss.
Angel Moms is our support community for grieving mothers, created so no mom has to walk this road alone while we continue our work of domestic violence awareness and prevention. ...

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬:
Controlling and manipulative people rarely start with something obvious. They test you with little things first: denying what happened, “forgetting,” changing the subject, playing dumb, or acting like you are overreacting. Then it can move into bigger tactics like love‑bombing and seduction, creating emotional highs and then pulling away, complaining that you are never enough, playing the victim, blaming you for their behavior, or acting like a selfless helper while quietly pulling all the strings. Over time, this kind of person learns your soft spots, uses guilt, distance, or drama to keep you off balance, and slowly convinces you that the problem is you. Healthy love does not feel like walking on eggshells or constantly wondering if you are crazy.
A controlling person might play helpless, act confused, or say “you just don’t understand me” to pull you into fixing, explaining, and comforting them. Then the tactics can sharpen: lying, guilt‑tripping, shaming, nagging, silent treatment, threats, yelling, breaking things, or hinting at what they “could” do if you don’t fall in line. All of this has one goal: to wear down your confidence so you stop trusting your own judgment and start tiptoeing around theirs.

If someone’s love comes with constant anxiety, fear of their reactions, or a knot in your stomach when their name pops up on your phone, that is not healthy conflict, that is control. You do not have to wait for a hit, a shove, or a “big enough” incident to take your fear seriously. Talking to a trusted friend, counselor, pastor, or advocate early is not overreacting; it is wisdom and self‑protection. ...

𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, so this feels like the right time to talk about something most people never study until it lands in their own life.

Over the next few posts, we’ll be sharing simple, real-life information about stalking: what it is, how it can quietly show up in everyday situations, and why it is so much more serious than “someone just being obsessed.”

Our hope is that this series helps you put language to things that feel “off,” notice red flags sooner, and feel a little less alone if any of this sounds familiar.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠?
It is a pattern of repeated, unwanted contact, attention, or monitoring that makes you feel afraid or trapped. That can look like constant messages and calls, surprise appearances where you are, gifts you did not ask for, someone watching your social media closely, or quietly tracking where you go.

Often it starts around a breakup or a relationship that never really began, and the person cannot accept “no.” They may feel entitled to your time, try to control you, or punish you for pulling away. Stalkers can be exes, dates, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or even people you barely know.

The most important part: if someone’s behavior is making you feel watched, unsafe, or like you have to change your routine to avoid them, that is not drama. That is a problem, and it deserves to be taken seriously. ...

As we’re heading into 2026, we’ve been thinking about what Alina would want us to focus on. And honestly? It’s simple. Show up. Speak out. Don’t pretend you don’t see it.

We know it’s hard. You see a friend in a relationship that doesn’t feel right, but you don’t want to overstep. You hear about a survivor and think, “What could I possibly do to help?” You want to teach your kids about respect and safety but aren’t sure where to start. These things feel big and scary because they are. They matter.

But here’s what we’ve learned running Alina’s Light - your voice, your presence, your willingness to get uncomfortable - that’s what changes things. It doesn’t take a grand gesture. It’s the person who texts to check in. The friend who listens without judgment. The parent who has the awkward conversation. The neighbor who notices.

In 2026, we’re asking you to be that person. Not for Alina - though she’d be proud. For the person sitting next to you who needs to know they’re not alone. For the kids learning what love should actually feel like. For the survivor finally finding the courage to leave.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to care enough to try.

Let’s make this year different together. 💜

#alinaslight ...

Christmas is tender and complicated when someone you love is missing, but today our hearts are full of the light you’ve helped us keep burning. This year you showed up for our kids, our Angel Moms, our survivors, and for each other – at Santa lunch tables, in workshops, at walks, and in all the quiet ways you chose kindness over looking away.
Alina loved this season. She loved the twinkle lights, the laughter, the way a simple moment could feel like magic. Every time you hug your children tighter, teach them what real love looks like, or make space for a family that’s struggling, her light keeps traveling a little farther into the world.
From our Alina’s Light family to yours, we are so deeply grateful for you. May your holidays be gentle where they need to be gentle and joyful where they can be joyful, and may you feel the warmth of knowing you are part of something bigger than any one of us.

With love,
The Alina’s Light Team 💜 ...

Attention to all purse lovers! Alina‘s light’ purse findraiser is officially open!
All purses have been designated their day and you can see what they all look like here:
Thank you to our wonderful Jill for putting together this fun girly fundraiser! 💜👜👜👜
https://alinaslight.com/purse-fundraiser/ ...