Tim Lambesis’ Wife Releases Public Statement, Reveals They Were Married in Prison
It's Valentine's Day, and as couples around the world find ways to share their love in a public forum, so has As I Lay Dying singer Tim Lambesis and his wife Amanda Dubord. The couple both posted new messages on Instagram detailing their relationship, with each offering a photo from their wedding and an account of their journey.
Lambesis offers more of an introduction to their story, stating, "She was my source of strength through the hardest six years of my life. She loved me at the top before I fell, and she somehow loves me even more now. Different people came and went during those six years, but Amanda, our family, and a few close friends were the only ones there the whole time."
The singer is referring to the jail time he spent related to his attempt to hire a hitman to kill his estranged ex-wife as they were separating. The vocalist's addiction issues also came to light during the trial over his actions. Lambesis says of his current wife, "She hated seeing what I became, but she was still able to see that the man she loved wasn’t lost forever. I reached out my drowning hand, and she helped pull me ashore. Amanda drove hours to see me in chains behind thick glass for only 30 minutes. There were weeks when I was on 24 hour lockdown and my eventual 15 minute phone call with her is what got me through depression and isolation."
He continues, "When I finally got transferred to a medium custody facility I was able to finally see her in person again. We had been talking about it for years and finally ended up getting married about six months later. Even though it was just the two of us with our parents standing in front of some filing cabinets in the visiting room, it was the most real and beautiful moment of my life so far. Now we’re nearly inseparable, making up for years lost and pushing each other to reach our goals and be better people. There was so much pain to overcome, but there is also so much strength that came from it. That is why I call Amanda a warrior."
As for Dubord, she also speaks of making their love work through the hardest of times. "Let’s get real people. It's easy to love someone when life is smooth sailing and there’s nothing but sunshine and smiles together. But to love someone when things go south and life gets hard, that’s something," she starts her post. "When flaws are exposed and mistakes are made, that’s when love is truly tested."
She continues, "I feel all we see today are relationship posts that rave about the good days, but wheres the real in that? I think it’s about time Tim and I start sharing a little of our story with you all. It's also so important to be reminded that good relationships take work and what you see on social media is only a portion of what really goes on. Our marriage hasn’t always been dancing in the rain and forehead kisses. It’s been sacrifice and compromise, understanding and growth through communication. Love can be so painful, but love can also be the greatest feeling in the world. Here are two pictures both from my wedding day. The first is a photo from our wedding celebration that took place a year after our actual wedding. It’s was truly a fairly tale. The second photo holds my heart. Tim and I were married May 2nd of 2015 at CDCR prison."
She recalls, "We said 'I do' in front of our parents, a file cabinet and a few inmates. There was no Dj or cake, no honeymoon or bridal party. Three photos in total and I got a three-second kiss that was watched by a guard. That day was the best day of my life so far and so damn rock and roll. To my husband, we made it, despite all odds against us. To our family, thank you for all of your love and support. Our friends that stuck by us, there are no words to describe the love we have for you. To our new followers and friends, we welcome you."
In the time since his release from prison, Lambesis has reconciled with his As I Lay Dying bandmates and they have started touring over the past year. In the time since his incarceration, Lambesis has pursued his Master's degree in social work and has been certified as an addiction treatment counselor.
Lambesis has also been very open about his regret over his past, stating his desire to move forward in a more positive manner. "I will never be able to undo my greatest mistake, but I believe it's better to do something rather than give up," said the vocalist late last year. He went on to state, "I stand against who I became in my past and am pursuing a new purpose in the rebirth of AILD. We collective are ... People who support AILD are not supporting the person I once was, because part of my life's work now is to undo the hurt I've caused and helped others in addiction. Instead, I think AILD fans are supporting the belief that people can change."
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