If you haven’t read part 1 of Angie’s story, please read it here first.
Six years after her first marriage ended, Angie met and married Mark.
Health Struggles Resurfaced
Angie’s health struggles resurfaced when she became pregnant with their
I think i recognized every one of these trails!!!
Great story Melony! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for these beautiful thoughts friend. As I was reading, I was imagining that I was walking the same paths. The one that resonated with me was the detour. I read once that grief, which we all experience at some time, is like a detour. You’re going along, living your life, and then it happens. You’re forced to go through a period of grief. Similar to going down the road, you see a detour sign and have no choice but to take it. Then at some point, the detour meets back at the main road, but the road is different. Like grief, at some point, you come back, but your path is very different. I’m on this detour now, and oh how many new experiences I’ve had already. I’m learning things and making decisions I never imagined I’d be strong enough to make. God is good, and He’s leading me gently through the detour. I hope this encourages someone who may be going through their own time of grief.
WOW!!!! I love this!!! I, too, can relate very well to this and my love for being out on the trails! It is so peaceful and an incredible place for reflections on my daily life. My mind is always more clear when I’m on my nature walks/runs! Thank you for your beautiful metaphor!!! 🙂
I love your connection of nature walks and the journey of life! I am a “Let’s go outside and play” kind of girl and always have been. I’ve also felt God’s presence as I walk through His creation. I’m reminded of His love for me and His promise that He will never leave me. And boy, do I need to remember that fact as I maneuver through some of the difficult walks of life! But as with some of the most challenging hikes I’ve taken, the view is worth it!
Beautiful… I love the great out doors and nature has a way of making everything seem less complicated.. loved your article and I’m glad you are getting a few weeks off to enjoy God’s creations..great read.. really enjoyed it.
Wow, what a beautiful tribute to an amazing man. Praising God with you for His protection and healing of your dear father-in-law. Thank you for sharing his story!
This is a wonderful story. Thank you for having the courage to share your God story. It is very encouraging, all of it!
Thank you for sharing how God is in control.
What a strong believer. He is a hero to endure the suffering without losing faith. Praise God for his healing power and thank Wayne for sharing his story.
I have been blessed to have known Wayne for years, first as a fellow Christian attending and working in two congregations over fourty some odd years. I have also known Wayne as a fellow golfer, and have played with him many years. But most of all I have known Wayne as a friend, one who would do anything for others. And yes he is strong, strong physically, and strong spiritually.
well, what can I say…He’s my dad, and I love him very much. I have witnessed him move thru each phase of life, and all of this stuff in this story with amazing grace, and courage. He is truely an over comer, in fact that might be a small word to describe his life!!! love you dad!!!
oh so true!! They DO want to know because they love you. My own father has struggled with open heart surgery to replace a heart valve and a few years later gall stones that almost killed him. He didn’t eat for 9 months and was so sick I thought we were going to say goodbye more than once. Its hard to see your parents become so ill. As the oldest I went from child to almost parent. Its a hard place to be.
Hope everyone reads this-but especially the last paragraph. Don’t hide it from the people that love you.
Thank you, Wayne, for sharing your story of overcoming. The way you have handled each situation concerning your health is an inspiration to all who know and love you. Your strong faith is evident in all you do and say. Having a wonderful, loving wife like Sandra by your side on this journey is truly a blessing and a great comfort, I am sure. Paul and I love you both and are so grateful for your sweet friendship. Thank you, Melony, for sharing Wayne’s story.
Thank you so much, Melony, for sharing Wayne’s story of triumph with us. It is so wonderful to hear the stories of overcomers and to know of their faith in this journey to beat the odds.
Thanks for sharing your on-going story, Melony. Thanks for using your passion for writing to enlighten us on your pathway with TIA.
Blessings,
alan
Melony,
I had no idea that you had to go through this again! I praise our God that you were able to overcome once more and remain with us here to inspire us with your writings! You are a blessing to all us overcomers! BTW…I love your tattoo! I pray you never have to add another flower! Love you!
Hey sweet lady — one of the most beautiful feelings in the world is to feel loved (key word FEEL). So I hope you feel all the love pouring out to you to support you, to believe in you, to pull for you and to abundantly pray for you. You are always so busy writing about others and, regardless of your plight, it is good to hear the honesty and details of your story. Two of my favorite sayings are “The power of one” and “It takes a village”. Sounds like you are doing the “one” part — eating right, exercising, drinking ugly colored health drinks. Through your sharing, the “village” can now go to work. Let us support you, be there for you, pray for you & love you so much that you really feel it. Hang in there, stay strong, depend on God and know that you are loved.
My love & blessings to you —- Linda
Baby! Thank you for sharing your story in a transparent, authentic way . I love you!
Thank you for sharing your latest opportunity for overcoming, Melony. You are truly an inspiration to all who know and love you. Stay strong!
Love you,
Kay McDaniel
Oh friend, thanks for sharing your journey so openly and honestly. Andy Stanley’s recent message included the challenge: “See adversity as a gift with a purpose and a promise – the purpose may yet be determined, but the promise is, “My grace is sufficient for you…”2 Cor. 12:9. You are a beautiful example of living that promise out everyday. Love ya lots : )
You are an amazing woman to have gone through what you have and to have done it with a smile on your face . . . always. May God continue to shine down on you and bring you health and happiness.
One of the things that I love most about you-you get this weakness and uncooperative body thing. For us-its just living everyday and normal. Other people often don’t get it…and its hard to explain. I was beyond excited this weekend to find a pair of mismatched shoes on the clearance rack-mismatched to my feet. It won’t fix my lack of balance and stability on my right side….but it will help. Some anyway 🙂
This is why God brought us together–you take my left side and your right side and TOGETHER we could conquer this world!!!
Man I miss you…..
Melony – You are an overcomer! (love the tattoo:) Sorry you are having fatigue and health problems. You know what to do – Be good to yourself, receive from God and others who want to help. The Lord’s love for you is endless! Blessings, Maureen
You’re amazing Mel! Praying for you and hope the ink remains as is :-). Love you!
I am thanking God for our chance (not) meeting today neighbor and now friend, after all these years (14 here for me since 2003). Wow, I never would have guessed, I saw nothing of this today!!! Praises to God for His Jehovah Rapha healing hand on your body all these years!!! My prayer for you will be many more years of exercising your body and those glorious spiritual gifts God has given you, that you are using, not only for His Glory but, for the encouragement it brings to all us OVERCOMERS!!! I have not yet read all the stories but look forward to them!!! PS 46:10 is special to me and I can’t wait to share the Hebrew meaning of STILL with you, in case you don’t already know, remind me. Our Lord bless and keep you,
Carol was a precious friend who I miss daily. So many memories of laughter shared & stories exchanged! Even before her illness her faith was strong & bold. She loved life but she knew that there was more than that & had her eyes set on eternity. Losing her here on earth before we all wanted to is a struggle but knowing that she was going to her eternal home with her Lord & Savior gives me hope & peace. What a sweet reunion it will be with her when it is our turn to go to our eternal home. Sending my love & prayers to her family on this day.
Thank you for writing this post. He continues to be glorified by her life and physical suffering.
Oh, how I miss Carol. Her illness and passing progressed while I lived out of the country and I was only able to visit with her twice after her diagnosis. Our parting was not goodbye, but ’til we meet again,’ because we both knew we WOULD meet again. So thankful for her friendship in my life and her influence in our family. She was my teenage daughter’s Sunday School teacher the year we moved away and my daughter missed her teaching and amazing spirit greatly.
She never tried to present herself or her life as perfect, although to anyone looking in from the outside might make the mistake of thinking it/she was. Her joyful attitude to the ups and downs of life were truly one the of the MANY blessings of her friendship. I still have difficulty imagining a temporal world without Carol in it. And I will stop typing now as the tears are making it difficult to see.
If sweet Carol were able to sit in the school office today I would say to her that she has provided a link to the future by how she and her husband raised up a family faithful to the cause of the Christ. Even as her laughter still echos through the halls, the voice of her daughter teaches, prays, and loves on a classroom of fifth graders; what a reflection of the image of God and the image of a much loved mom. Oh glorious day when the trump will sound and we will forever be home together. I will find you when I hear your laugh. Look for me. I’ll be the old educator with a book in one hand and a school roster in the other.
I knew Carol when she and Paul lived in Richmond, VA. Carol and I were Mary Kay consultants under the same leader who was a mutual friend. We roomed together for conventions and spent some time together at meetings. She was a beautiful and fun woman even then. We lost contact through the years, and I didn’t even know she had faced this battle with cancer until I read your post. This is a beautiful testimony of Carol’s walk with the Lord. Thanks, Melony, for sharing this story. I look forward to seeing Carol again in eternity. I’ll be praying for Paul and their children.
“Your body is further advanced than medicine” and “tests to define your problem haven’t been invented yet” were the troubling words Mandy* and her parents heard for 22 years. Finally in May of 2003, renowned scientists from all over
Thank you Melony for sharing yet another wonderful story of overcoming, positive attitude, and trusting the Lord. I love the twist on the much-heard comment that God will not give us more than we can handle, flipping it to God WILL give us more than WE can handle…so we lean on Him. Awesome!
Mandy, your story is one of tremendous difficulty but more importantly, one of supreme persistence and faith. Wow, Melony did another amazing job, capturing the essence of your struggle and overcomer attitude and dedication to others, by sharing your situation. I have to say, I LOVE the t-shirt!!! Can I get one? I want mine to say $20 for the legs’ story. Thank you for influencing so many.
This is a pretty incredible story,. there are sooo many things that doctors do not understand about the human body, but God understands!!
Mandy Young is a true overcomer! Though Mandy’s struggles began as a young child, she possess an incredibly positive attitude and zest for life like few i have known. She is an amazing young woman who shines a bright light wherever she goes…and she IS on the go! Her effervescent personality and charm make her a magnet naturally drawing people to her. She uses every opportunity to point others to Christ. She is a true joy – with a great sense of humor!
Thank you for sharing this amazing story of triumph over Mandy’s struggles. Her joy looks contagious, and I will think of her the next time I have a “bad” day.
At school, we had the opportunity to hear Mandy’s story and I know I walked away that day encouraged by her and realizing that God definitely is in control. I just need to remember to give it to Him! Thanks for sharing, Melony & Mandy!!
My 15 yr old daughter Deana has the same disease as Mandy. As well as other auto immune deficiency’s too… She went through a lot of uncertain times and has had pneumonia 37 times before they finally diagnosed her with IRAK4 deficiency. I feel your pain Mandy, and I will continue to pray for you as well as my daughter. Lots of love coming your way!!
Nancy, Hi I am Lisa Young, Mandys mom and for some reason I am just seeing your post on Mandys story. I would love to talk to you. My email is lisacyoung@bellsouth.net if you ever have time, drop me a note. I would love to know more about your daughter. God Bless, Lisa
Wow! What an amazing story! What a testimony of how “fearfully & wonderfully made” we are as uniquely, created individuals! I both agree with, and am inspired by Mandy’s words.
This is truly an AMAZING article. We are sometimes giving so many hurdles to jump over in life, but God’s faith is all we need. Thank you for sharing Mandy’s story to remind us that we should remain positive in difficult times. Those obstacles are ways to renew our faith.
What an amazing woman! Thank you for sharing her story =)
I’m honored to personally know Mandy and call her friend. I met her through a mutual friend and we hit it off from hello. She’s a woman of great faith whom I truly admire. I’ve met her family and they are her backbone of strength. She has been through so much pain but always has that electric smile showing, even on her not so good days. Every day is a gift to her and she lives those days to the fullest. She will always keep you laughing and it’s true she doesn’t like being pitied or seeing others hosting their own parties. She gets around great and let’s nothing stop her so there’s really nothing to pity. She’s exactly how God created her and he gave her a tenacious strength to endure what was ahead. Her testimony is awesome to hear, especially in person.
If you haven’t read part 1 of Jule’s story, please read it before reading the conclusion to her story.
Bryan, Jordan, Jule, and Christian
Two years after having a double mastectomy, Jule’s doctors found a suspicious
Jule is an amazing woman whose light does always shine! She truly does rock on!
Jule certainly practices what she preaches! She is an inspiration to all she meets and I feel blessed to know her and call her a friend! What a blessing!
Wow.. This is truly “one for the books.” What a life long journey!!!
What an incredible story of strength and faith. Jule, you are walking testimony to the power, strength and grace of God. Thank you for running into His arms instead of running away!
Jule is definitely an inspiration to all she meets. I’ve never seen her without one of those amazing smiles. Many blessings to you all!
Jule is truly a testimony of her love for God and his love for her. I’m glad she had lots of good firends and family to help her through a lifetime of challenges.
Jule is a true inspiration for all.
Once again, JULE is the most inspirational person/friend I have ever known. I will be the first in line to see her speak. love you Jule
It is rare to find someone that has the spirit that Jule does….she is truly a remarkable person and she proves that life is not about the things that happen to you, but most important what defines you is how you react to the things that happen. Jule has a message that needs to be shared and I want to help her get it out to the people that need to hear her…..any suggestions will be appreciated!!
HI Melony! I happened upon your Blog this morning when I searched for The Scarf Game, and I am so happy I did! I, too have blogged about this courageous woman who I was blessed to call my friend.
As I consider all I know and love about Jule Furr, I am inspired to go forward in my life journey with her mind, living out my faith with the best version of myself.
These writings (both Part 1 and Part 2) are wonderful, thought-provoking, and moving. I have linked both parts in my recent blog post on Pages From Joan (Facebook Page) / joanwpage.com (on the web)
I look forward to following your blog!
Best,
Joan
As Jule* approaches her 50th birthday this year, she realizes she has faced one type of health struggle or another for many years of her life. Her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life would cause you to think she’s
Mama Furr is by far the strongest woman I have ever met. She is one big ray of Sunshine wherever she goes. God bless you, Jule Furr! Lots of love from the Barto clan.
I first met Jule when her son, Christian, was in my two year old preschool class. With all the struggles she was going through at the time, she was still an encourager and great preschool Mom! I am blessed to have been a room mom with her as Christian and our daughter, Nicki, shared the same ECS grades! Jule, you are definitely a gift from God to our family! Love from the Hood Gang!
God is so good. We could all use a dose of that Sunshine! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and trust in The Lord. His love endures forever…
I met Jule at my kids school, and fell in love with her, she is all this and much more, my kids came across her during school stuff and fell in love with her as well. She always has a smile, and makes you feel like you are the only person in the room, she is amazing, and I agree God’s chosen one, Such a blessing, and the most courageous women EVER…
Jule is a ray of sunshine to all she encounters! She brings laughter, joy, a huge heart and a sense of what is possible to all! She exudes a life lived without regret and one lived for Christ and loving others. She is a definite blessing in my life!
Our family met the Furr’s through baseball and what a gift and a blessing they are. Led by Mama Furr of course! I have seen her sit in 100 degree weather, sick as a dog, without complaint, to watch her baby boy play ball. And I saw a team of ball players share a national championship with her – rejoicing that she made it to watch them. Thank you for honoring her spirit and zest for life. Everyone who meets her leaves being better than before.
My aunt Jule is truly an inspiration, and I don’t know where I would be without her. She is a wonderful blessing in my life. Thank you for sharing her story!
Jule is a truly remarkable woman! My family has had the pleasure of taking a couple of beach trips with her and her sweet family. Her light most certainly shines!
I am Jule’s cousin only two years younger. I remember learning about Jule being sick so young. We have never lived any closer than 4 hours away from each other. We visit on occasion, and I enjoy taking my nearly 85 year old mother to see Jule and her Dad (my mother’s brother). I’ve never seen anyone with the drive and determination that Jule carries. Not only does she carry it, she freely gives it to others. Jule has always been a beautiful person inside and out. The last time we visited I was going through a painful divorce. The encouragement she gave me will never be forgotten. I remember thinking if Jule can face life with this horrible disease,and offer me encouragement and love, I too can face what is ahead of me. Jule’s spirit is bigger than her sickness and she can’t possibly know the effect she has had on me. I know I am only one of many that she has touched. Jule is a gift~I love her. It’s great that you are sharing her story.
Jule always has a smile on her face. A true joy.
Love her!
I met Jule through our sons playing baseball. She is an amazing person. She is the most positive upbeat person I know! Her faith is so strong. Knowing Jule makes me a better person – she is all of our sunshine! Love her dearly!
I first met Jule a few years ago when our boys began playing football and baseball together. She is a true inspiration. I love her zest for life. She always makes me smile when I’m with her. She truly is a ray of sunshine. My life is so much better with her in it.
Not only does her light shine brightly but it’s done so for many years now. It is one thing to be brave and joyous during a ‘season’ and an entirely different thing to carry the joy of Christ in you so that it never quits. I just hope I get to tell the gate keeper in Heaven that I’m friends with Jule…God’s special one!
I have known Jule since right before she married Bryan. We have been through a lot of times together. Till today, I say, she is the strongest and most positive person I know. She is a great inspiration to ALL…
I must start by thanking you, Melony Brown, for writing such an amazing article about an amazing person that I am lucky enough to call my cousin! Of course in our family we all know how truly amazing and wonderful Jule is but it is nice for others to read this story and especially those that may be struggling with their own health issues. What an inspiration both you ladies are to everyone! She epitomizes what a true Christian mother is suppose to be and I strive every day to be more like her in every thing I do. I wished we lived closer so that I could give her more hugs – but I will count on you guys in GA to do that for me. Can’t wait to read the 2nd part of your article! Love you Julie!
Jule has lead her life with such grace and has shone us all way “joyful” living really is. Love her!
photo credit: Whitney Huynh
Catching the attention of musician TobyMac, getting signed on his record label, recording her debut album, and winning a Dove Award (2012) are all amazing accomplishments for 22 year old Jamie Grace.
But knowing she
I’m proud of you, Jamie! Thank you for being so brave in sharing your story!:) Your story came right on time!
Jamie Grace, you have a new fan! I have heard your music before. However, hearing your story, I will be on purpose about listening to your music. Wow! What am AWESOME GOD we serve!!! I need to play “It’s a Beautiful Day” every morning! May God continue to bless you and your awesome gift! I pray He uses you to touch teenagers, young women, and those of us that have gray in our hair.
Jamie,
It is amazing how you have taken what many would call their “problems” to reach so many people for Christ. You are proof that He can use us all for His service. Many blessings to you as you continue to inspire through your music. Thank you for sharing your story.
Melony,
This is such an inspiritional outreach and I am so impressed with Jamie’s determination to use her talents to overcome this obstacle in her life. I have enjoyed listening to her music and recommend it to other young people.
Great article! My girls and I love Jamie Grace’s music! What an inspiration she is and a great role model for my girls! I had heard of some of her “struggles” but this was a great reminder of how much she has overcome and how God is using her in BIG ways! He has uniquely made her to shine for Him and her music is a gift! So glad to hear she’ll be performing in the Atlanta area in the spring….I’ll be taking my girls for sure!!!!
Great article! Thanks to Jamie Grace for sharing her struggles and how she overcame. Her music is inspiring and fun. My daughter immediately smiles and dances to her music. May God continue to use her gifts and courage to encourage others. Keep the faith, Jamie Grace! God is using you in BIG ways.
I love Jamie Grace’s music! Love it even more realizing she has risen above challenges. She is definitely an overcomer and an inspiration to all! Her music and her life are an illustration of how you can be used for God’s glory and how he will equip you through your circumstances. I love her attitude and her spunk! She is a delight!
Mel,
An unbelievable article on one incredible woman. What a true overcomer she is to have battled so many issues so young and still walk away with such happiness and faith. God has given her the sweetest voice and a beautiful soul to match.
Thank you for sharing such divine inspiration!
What an encouraging story! I can’t wait to listen to more of your music! Way to go!
Jamie Grace, as I was reading your story all I could think about are all the young ladies out there that I am going to tell about YOU. I work with a lot of young ladies that need an Overcomer in their lives. What an amazing young women you are and all the lives you have and will change with your music and story. God is Awesome! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Jamie for sharing your inspiring story and music with us!!! I loved “Its a Beautiful Day” so much!!! Praises to God for your talents/gifts and strong overcomer spirit!!!
My daughter, Melony, loves your music and what you add to the music industry.
Angie I love you. I say this to others…you amaze me..you are so very generous. So giving. So very beautiful and lovely. I’m overwhelmed.
Lisa, well now I’m speechless, that’s not easy to do to me..lol
your compliments are so sweet, and I don’t see myself that way at all.
I’m so grateful, and blessed to have such great friends, that can see the good in others,
and ignore my irritability and exhaustion, and all my insecurities.
Thank you for being a dear friend, and standing with me, when at times, I felt like I couldn’t.
beyond grateful.
xoxo
thank you,
I hope I was able to be encouraging to you, Angie, to do what you needed to do to take care of your Mom even though it was so rough. I knew with your compassionate heart you wouldn’t regret it. Your Dad would be so proud that you showed her forgiveness and kindness even though it wasn’t deserved. I’m glad you had him to experience unconditional love and sometimes even tough-love!
as you know at times, I wasn’t sure if I could make it. But with the support of you and my Dad speaking to me from above, I found my way to see my Mom in a different light. I’m grateful everyday that I was given that opportunity. Now that I’m having my own struggles, I see things much clearer and how when you don’t feel well, things are harder.
so thank you for encouraging me, when others judged me, and for telling me to follow my heart even if other didn’t understand it or me.
so grateful, and very blessed for your support,
Throughout this most difficult experience I am so proud of the true demonstration of the value you’ve shown of unconditional love of family. Our children have been positively imprinted by witnessing your strength to embrace your mother during her final years – something in which they will carry with them and pass on to their children. A lasting legacy created by you with your ability to forgive and always unselfishly do the right thing. With all my love, Mark.
“Faith, hope, love, but the greatest of these is love.” You are a great example of love in action. You have shown love to the unlovely which makes you a very unique and special person. My prayer for you is that you continue to have strength and courage to enjoy peace within which you so deserve.
Thank you Sandra,
It didn’t come easy, but like I tell my kids, if everything was easy, what would motivate you.
I’m grateful and shocked by all the comments and responses I have received. It is a journey I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But, I’m glad that I have love and support, of my siblings,friends and family.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my journey, and commenting, it means the world to me.
Grateful and blessed
Its amazing that we see people everyday that look like they have it all. But we just don’t know what is going on inside. When I feel comfortable enough to share with someone that I struggle from depression they always seem surprised. As a nurse I feel that empathy is crucial in dealing with not the human body-but the human spirit. There has been nothing in my life that has changed me like being a mama. And I think that is what allows me to be able to do what I do everyday-I have such respect and empathy for the bond between a mama and her child. And I see plenty of bad bonds. Its amazing to me that Angie was able to let herself be vulnerable enough to care for her mom at the end of her life. Some may say that she was crazy to do so-but I bet that it is a decision that she never regrets. There are so many people that never seem to be able to rise above what life has dealt them-good for you Angie. Paul said the ‘greatest of these is love’ and you showed your mom that-as well as showing your children and making a great example of agape love.
Shannon,
You are so right. When the hurt or sick people can physically see it seems easier to be understanding. But when it’s internal it is hard for others to truly understand what or how that feels. I struggled for years with diseases that cause depression, irritability and many more. But I hope you will find a place that you can share your struggles. You may be very surprised by how many will relate and it may even help some out. I’m so grateful for your comments and that you took the time to read mine and comment because I’m just like you. I was reluctant. But I had a wonderful friend that made me feel safe and she just happens to be a great writer. She spent many many hours with me. We even closed down a restaurant during this journey. I encourage you to find that safe comfort and faith and you will be led. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me. I’m very overwhelmed with such support. . Which is hard for a abandoned girl. Sincerely
Angie,
Your strength and perseverance is an inspiration to others. I’m thankful for the opportunity to read your story!
Shannon
Shannon,
That means the world to me. I have been struggling the last few hours, about was this the right thing to day. But, the amount of support I have received has been overwhelming, like anything in life, I wanted to share my journey, not to point fingers at others, or to cast blame on any individuals in my life. I wanted to hopefully help others understand that with God all things are possible, and none of us are perfect, and we all do and hurt others. But when you can let go of your hurt, or anger, or baggage and look at the person as one of God’s children, and TRULY forgive, you receive the biggest gift you can ever get. God has joined you, and you are free from all that has happen to you at the hands of this person. My Mom had a very tough life, and lost her own mother at 15, she was abandoned herself, and she was struggling herself. I’m just glad that I was able to open my heart, which was really hard, and trust God to guide me through the last few years with her. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do. Some think they have, but may not of. I struggled deeply with it. so having someone read this, and maybe they will forgive someone in their life, and it could change relationships, then is was worth it.
Thanks for supporting me, and seeing the value in forgiveness
Wow! Difficult, but compelling to read. May God continue to keep you and preserve you. May He grant you the desire of your heart.
Carol,
Thank you so much for reaching out to me, Your comment couldn’t of come to me at a better time. I was having a moment of, sadness, and back to feeling misunderstood. Then your reply popped up, and my heart filled with such comfort. So Thank you.
I’m so blessed to have so many supporters, and grateful for each and every one. But with all things in life, not all is seen as we see it. I wanted to help others overcome some of the most difficulties in life, and know they are not alone.
I’m glad you reached out, your timing was a gift to me, so I thank you
sincerely,
Angie
Angie, what an incredible journey you have been on! I’m overwhelmed with your story! Thank you for sharing it, I can’t imagine it was easy! You are a beautiful soul! Thank you for being my friend and allowing me to read your story! Incredible!
Thanks Tammi,
I appreciate your support. I wanted to share my experience with others. When God places is hand on you with such strength and guides you threw your darkest hours to a road of forgiviness. You have to share.
My mother died in the hospital recently. She was ill for several years much like your mother did not take care of herself. Until this happened I had not really thought about my own abondoment issues for a very long time, but of course was always there in the back of my mind just did not want to think about it anymore. Exhausting stuff. I knew at a very young age I was hurting but not sure why. I displayed many of the behaviours we are now discussing and chalked it up to being a teenager. I asked my mother several times about what happened when I was 4 years old. She played it safe and was honest but downplayed the whole scenario. My mother left my father. She soon met another man, but he left to go down to the states she got a baby sitter to look after us for a week while she chased him down there. The ran into some trouble and she was unable to make it back that week but promised to be back the next. The babysitter called the CAS and they came and took us away. In those days they kept you for over 6months until youcould prove that you were capable and responsible enough to care for your children. In my mind I had been gone for 2 years. Until l pressed my mother over and over again for information. I was believing what my heart was telling me. So with this new information I was now able to put the pieces together. I was glad to know details, I was overwhelmed by my brain trying to process this influx of emotion. What was I to do now. My life is very similar to Angies life. In and out of relationships, behavioural issues in school. All of it. My mother did get us back and married Joe who became my step dad. Joe was great but uneasy around us as he did not feel comfortable with cuddles and showing effection. My mother was naturally a cold person as she said later to me ( I don’t like babies they make me uncomfortable) That said it all. My mother and Joe had two children together. One is 15 year younger than me. When I was 22 my mother announced she was leaving Joe. She was taking my sister who was 10 at the time and leaving my brother with Joe who was 14. Her we go again…more abandomnet and now it would affect this new generation. Many people do not ever realize they have this terrible metal health issue and refuse to hear any of it. My sister suffers from it and has destroyed our family in her dealing with it. I feel I am reliving my childhood all over again. Much pain, many loses. Repeating over and over again. I wish I had made better choices in my life, listened to a therapist when I had the chance. What helped me was a man that came into my life understood and was sensitive to my struggle. We did manage to have several year together as a couple but of course I sabotaged that as well. He was strong and healthy he fought for us to stay friends. I almost dropped the ball a few times but stuck with it and now am happy to say we are best friends 30 years later. This bond has been my lifeboat, my light in the darkest of days, he showed me the love I never had. I would have nothing without him. Thankyou to all those people who have reached out and stayed for the long haul.
Stacy,
thank you for taking time to comment on my story, can I say, your comments blew me away,
I think it’s the first time, I feel like someone out there actually truly understands how I feel, WOW, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom and I know this is difficult on so many levels, and will continue to be for a while. I found the loss of my Mother had a profound effect on me, I’m still not exactly sure why, but, I struggle with sabotaging everything in my life, and lately, I have come to the the notion that I”m not capable of being loved, and it sounds silly, but, it’s just another journey that abandonment seems to take us to, I learn more and more every day, and some days are better then others, but, I hope you will share your story, and help someone else out there you may be feeling the same way. I love that you and your ex- turned in to good friends, I never thought that was possible when I was younger, but, I’ve come to realize that is just the trust issue that is always haunting me, and that you can have friends, and who better then someone who got to see the real you. I wish you the very best, and I know our abandonment, is with us for life, but, we can guide are way through the days, that is surfaces, and enjoy the days, it stays out to sea.
grateful, and amazed that this came today, on a day that I felt like no one in this great big world understands me, or could relate to me, and then your comment was posted.
GOD Bless,
Angie
Wow! Angie, I’m truly touched by your story. It took courage to persevere through your traumatic childhood. God’s protective hands were clearly on you throughout your life. I’m so grateful you allowed your story to be told. I’m going to commit to pray for you as you continue to deal with your day to day struggles.