If you haven’t read part 1 of Diane’s story, please read it here first. Three years after her official diagnosis, Diane experienced a turning point in her journey with bipolar disorder. She made a decision that would change how she
“When I was finally ready to share my diagnosis of bipolar disorder with the church, I was told it was probably not a good idea to go public with it. That same day, the wife of a male church member
Diane, I am grateful for your story. Thank you for being so transparent. I have watched my dad suffer all my life with severe depression. I, too have felt like why is no one praying for him and coming to visit him and encourage him from the church? I have come off a season of supprsssed anger that turned into depression. I felt lost and isolated. I thought the same thing you did – when you have cancer everyone rallies around you. Depression is a cancer of the mind and soul and it is lonely and isolating. I agree that we need to keep bringing these stories to the forefront and the church must be there for sufferers. Praying for you! I’m here for whatever you need. Love, Holli
Holli, I’m so sorry to hear about the lack of support your dad has received. It’s unfortunate that your dad along with countless others suffer in silence.
Well said, “Depression is a cancer of the mind and soul”.. I’m also sorry to read that you too have suffered from depression. It’s a very isolating and lonely disease. I’ would make you a casserole but I don’t cook. I will commit to pray for both you and your dad.
I have no answers for how to be there for those who battle, I have not done this well on any level. I fear the space I felt this dear friend was asking for actually sent a message that I didn’t care. She is a precious gift to all who know her and I could not be prouder of how she is giving life to so many others by giving the gift of going first.
Diane – I have no doubt God is supremely pleased with you. Like a proud father watching his child take the next difficult step towards healing and progress, God knows the faith it’s taken for you not to abandon your faith and to share your story. Your story will be a powerful tool He uses to soothe, heal and restore so many who share your struggle. As Christians our hope is in God’s ability to make something beautiful from our pain if we’ll let ourselves be used. Thank you for being a willing vessel through which he can touch so many.
Thank you so much for your encouragement. I’ve learned with my daily challenges that this illness and most others are not possible without God. The struggles are not pretty but like you said God has a way of making them beautiful.
Tami,
Your reply to this post speaks volumes about your love for me. I am grateful for the prayers you have offered up on my behalf and the challenges of others you may know. We are not all called to be in the trenches of the illness but to pray for peace and hope for those of us who plummit into the pits of darkness. I would not be here today if it weren’t for God’s grace and the prayers of those around me.
I was told by a church member that my depression was due to the fact that I had a weak faith and did not trust Jesus enough. Needless to say-I stopped talking to her. I can so relate to the world being in color again. With my medication-the world is in color and I feel like I am standing on level ground. Without it I feel like I am in a dark hole struggling to see the light at the top of the hole, scraping and fighting to get back onto level ground. Post partum depression hit after my second child and the violent death of my brother in law. This affected my husband and my mother in law so dramatically-naturally. I have tried over the years to stop taking medication. I had a pastor tell me that if I was diabetic I would take my insulin or if I had high blood pressure I would take my medicine. But you are right with the stigma of mental health. No one thinks twice about the diabetic, etc. But mental health is looked at as a weakness, a character flaw. When I counsel patients (I am a nurse practitioner) I will often share that I have depression/anxiety as well. If we DO NOT talk about it as we do other illnesses-we will never change the stigma. So I take my medication. And I don’t worry about it anymore! I get how you feel. Totally.
Shannon,
I totally missed your reply to the no Casserole Illness story. Though the church welcomes “everyone” with open arms, they have a ways to go in their acceptance of mental illness. At least for me ,they are attempting to chisel away at the stigma. Like you, I jump at opportunities to speak on its behalf. Who better to educate others than those of us who suffer. I’m sure you are an encouragement to all you come in contact with. You encouraged me to stay strong in my journey. This stuff ain’t easy!!!
May God give you all your needs as you continue to recover.
Thank you Dianne for sharing your story and for your dedication with Victoria’s Friends. May God continue to bless you.
Thank you Heather! God is so good! Blessings and love to you!
What an amazing testimony, Dianne! God allows our past circumstances to equip us to help others in the future. I wouldn’t know the first thing to say to someone who struggles with these situations, but because you’ve been there, you can relate and you can help! There’s always a quick connection when you’ve gone through the same situation as someone else. God gives us the choice on how we use our life circumstances. We can choose to dwell on the horrific details of the past OR we can use it to give light and hope to those who desperately need it and may not hear it otherwise. I am so thankful that your friend shared the love of Jesus with you and that you have accepted it fully! His love has allowed you to come out of the darkness and allowed you to share it with others. What a blessing! The mercy and love that Jesus gives us is nothing short of amazing!
Wow LeAnn…well said!!! Thank you for your beautiful comment. I’m so thankful God is a God of hope, restoration and new beginnings. I love how He turns our situations and circumstances around and uses them for His glory. I thank God everyday for Angela; for the way she allowed His unconditional love to flow through her. Experiencing His love truly set me free! It is a wonderful, glorious feeling to be free in Christ Jesus! I’m so grateful! You are blessed and loved by the Greatest Lover of all. 🙂
Rejoicing with you for a life restored!
Thank you so much Maureen! God bless you!!! <3
I am so happy for you Dianne!!! Happy for Mike, too!!! God has transformed you both and given you new life by His grace through our Savior Jesus Christ, just like His word says!!! Thank you God and thank you Dianne for sharing your life with so many!!!
Thank you Amelia Ann!!! I’m so grateful for God’s transformation in Mike and myself! I’m so grateful for His never-ending, patient love that continues to pursue us even when we aren’t worthy. I’m so grateful that He sees us as worthy in Christ Jesus because of the finished work of the Cross. Thank you Jesus! It is such a blessing to be able to enjoy life with Mike with Jesus at the center of our relationship. We wouldn’t want it any other way. 🙂 I appreciate you taking time to leave such a sweet, encouraging comment. It’s a blessing we are sisters in Christ! Love and blessings to you and yours…Dianne
So touched by the depth and beauty of this story. Redemption and now generational blessings flow from The Lord through Dianne. What a gift to so many lives. Honored to call Dianne my friend!!
Thank you sweet precious Rachael! I love you and I’m blessed and honored to call you my friend. We are sisters forever!!! woohoo Praise the Lord! 🙂 <3
I am blessed to never have had an addiction. I can’t imagine what a hard life.
I am in tears!!! Your testimony Dianne is sooooooooo Amazing!!!!! I thank God for His protection over you! As dark as your first half was it was so amazing to see how God kept you, kept your mind and your body! I am so grateful for you and God’s awesomeness in your life!!! It takes a lot of courage to spread the love of Christ at strip clubs! You are awesome sauce!!!
Dianne* met a couple of strip club dancers when she was 17 who encouraged her to dance, but she told them she wasn’t interested. So they encouraged her to turn tricks instead.
* Her real name, used with permission.
“I
I can in no way comprehend this kind of life. It’s tragic. I pray in part two she turned her life around and is serving our Jesus.
Thank you for your comment Glenda! Yes…there is wonderful restoration, victory and joy in part 2. God is amazing and there is no place dark enough, low enough, far enough to keep God’s love, light, grace, mercy and compassion from reaching us.
Dianne, I am so sorry for all you went through. No matter how deep the pit is that we find ourselves in, Jesus extends His hand to pull us out. He is a God of restoration!
Thank you for your comment Maureen! You are so right! There is no pit dark enough nor deep enough to keep the hand of Jesus from reaching us. And I have personally found that His precious nail scared hand is always extended. He is AMAZING! I love how God is a God of restoration. He can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something so beautiful! Only God! I love how everything the enemy meant for evil and harm, God uses for His glory if we allow Him to. Part two reveals His grace, love, restoration, and healing!
Wow-I always knew there was something extra special about you and now I see a little bit more into why. Thank you for sharing what you’ve shared thus far. Incredibly powerful testimony and genuine to the core.
Rachael you are so sweet and so kind. I still have the earrings you made for me. That gift was from you heart and it truly touched my heart. You are a beautiful and amazing woman. I am glad that we are sisters in Christ and get to hang out for eternity! I love you girl!
Amazing story
God can sure take a bunch of mess and make one amazing story out of it. I am so grateful today to be free in Him!!! Thank you for taking the time to read part 1 and commenting. Blessings to you…Dianne
Knowing Dianne personally–I’m pretty much speechless for appropriate words that can describe the EXTRAORDINARY SUPERNATURAL RESTORATION that Jesus has done in her and for her–she is absolutely a NEW creation in Christ, and a wonderful friend and sister in Christ to me! Thank you (!!!) Dianne and Melony for so boldly sharing your victorious story, so that many others can be greatly encouraged.
Jesus’ heart of love and forgiveness is the SAME toward every person (Rom 2:11), and since He did such mighty things for Dianne, He greatly desires to do the same great miracles for anyone else who’s reading! Just say “Amen, Jesus!” =)
Amanda I love you! You are such a wonderful friend and sister to me! You are such an amazing teacher of the Gospel…The GOOD news! I have received and continue to receive so much from you. Your commitment to sharing and teaching God’s Word is amazing. You are relentless. If anyone is in the Marietta area and would like to learn more about our wonderful, gracious, loving Father, you are welcome to come to Amanda’s Bible study at the Marietta library off the square on Monday nights at 7. You can go to http://www.freelyforgivenforever.com to find out more.
Dianne, you have an incredible testimony of God’s unrelenting love in your life. I am so encouraged, to the point of tears.
Thank you Bridget! You are so precious! I feel so blessed and honored that Melony wanted to share my journey. I love what the enemy meant for harm, God took and used for His glory! I am so grateful today that His love is unrelenting! His love is everything! After having an encounter with LOVE/GOD…everything in my life changed! Our Papa is amazing and I thank Jesus continually for the finished work of the Cross! All I can say is…Only God! 🙂
Dianne, what courage you have. I know your confession brings you healing. I pray it helps others find release from the grips of Satan.
Jennifer, I want you know that I am eternally grateful for you. You were a “key player” used in God’s plan to redeem, deliver, restore, and heal me. I don’t even want to think about what life would have looked like without you being a part of it. I love you!
I am soooo glad we got you two hooked up! Your story needs to be shared, Dianne! There are so many lost and hurt and abused and emotionally scarred girls and women out there that need an exit and need a glimpse of hope! But you are more than a glimpse of hope–you are a light of rescue and restoration in a dark place! I love you!
Kiera you made me cry! I love you so much and I’m so grateful for our friendship! You are such an inspiration and light to all! You continually inspire me. I am so grateful that God divinely hooked us up and that you are a part of my life! Let’s Rock it here and in eternity 🙂 <3
HELP!!! I’m stuck at the cliff-hanger. I can’t figure out how to,get to part 2 So I can read about the redeeming power of Christ through your story.!
If only there’d been a National Child Abuse Prevention Month when Tammy* was 4 years old. Maybe someone would have believed her cries for help and stopped her abusers.
* Her real name is used with permission.
Looks
Tammy, I am so sorry for all the abuse you endured. You are an overcomer! Thank you for sharing and shining a light on the injustice of sex trafficking. Blessings!
there is a heaven. and then there is a hell – this is the justice for what these men did to her. there is a place in heaven for her final peace
Tammy,
Melony mentioned she had another Overcomer story, and I could tell in my brief conversation with her last night, your story hit her like a semi truck , but I had no idea it was this big. The amount you have overcome is just unbelievable, and your story is full of such intense pain, deceit, loss, confusion, and so much more. I thank you for sharing your story. My niece works with sex trafficking, and I’m going to forward your journey to her. Before my niece got involved in helping women that have been exposed to sex trafficking, I thought it was someone who kidnaps a child, fills them with drugs and sells them as a service. But, as she and you just stated it can be your own family members, or friends, or people you reach out to for help. This was shocking to me, being a mother of a teenage daughter. I think your story, and the hard work my niece does, will help educate everyone. I thank you so much for sharing your journey, as I know it’s a hard thing to do. God has given you a voice to help stop this type of abuse, and for that I’m so grateful. I hope you continue to spread the word of God, and help get this information out to others. You are far more than an overcomer. You are a survivor that has taken something extremely horrific and turned it into a ministry that is just amazing.
God bless you,
Angie Thomsen
Melony, This is a very powerful testimony about overcoming. Good to know she turned so much evil and wrongdoing into a positive influence in her life. I am very proud of you for taking the time to meet, interview, and share these stories so that other lives can be positively impacted.
Love,
Dad
Tammy, thank you for sharing your story. I’m happy to hear you have overcome and are helping others. Many blessings!
Tammy, thank you being so honest and real as you shared your story. You can inspire many and help many. Your will, faith and determination have gotten you so far and will continue to do so! Many hugs!
Tammy, just the fact that you can profess faith in God is a miracle. You are one of his most precious, beautiful, effective assets to bring victims His peace and comfort, and you are inspirational to the rest of us. Let me never complain nor wallow in self pity about my own mountains. For you are my new benchmark!! May God keep you and bless you and make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you forever. Amen.
Tammy, your story is one of innocence stolen and unrecoverable, yet you have allowed that part of you that remained tender and unsullied to be exposed and vulnerable enabling you to be a bearer of light, reaching into the darkness and making a way where there was no way for others to escape an otherwise inescapable pit of despair.
Dear Tammy your story brought me to tears. With what you have been through I would say you are the strongest person I have ever known. I’m so proud of you for just continuing to do the things that you needed to do to defeat this cycle. You are absolutely amazing
This situation is so sad. It is scary to know how much of this there is. Hopefully things will be better in the very near future.
Congratulations to Ann. She took the harsh and hurtful stones that were piled upon her in her formative years and instead of being weighed down by them forever, she used them to lay a foundation upon which she could get a firm footing and literally reach for the stars.
Ann had a lot of personal strength to work this out on her own. So glad there is help for bipolar now.
Ann’s story is amazing.
She proves that you can have
what seems like the world against you,
But still rise up and overcome. Her ability to
rise above and build her strength has me speechless
I can relate to Ann on so many levels and can honestly
Say.. I understand… my heart is full of
wow, sorrow, and compassion for her.
Ann you are inspiring and your story is so many
Things and I’m so grateful you are sharing it.
God bless you,
In loving arms,
Angie Thomsen
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.
Angie’s family prior to her mother leaving
Angie* was too young to remember being abandoned by her mother, for she was only two years old.
Their father’s week and a half leave from the Air force was the
Holy Moly! Such pain and damage! Our parent’s generation didn’t have the tools or support to figure out how to resolve relationship problems in a healthy manner. No excuses but we are fortunate to have so many resources at our fingertips. My heart goes out to Angie. Abandonment is the core fear of every human being.
Amy back then in late 60’s early 70’s no one was divorced. . No man had 5 kids to care for. I’m grateful for your kindness and showing interest in my story. My Dad was amazing man.
He was an overcomer as well but you’ll see that in part 2..
Sincerely grateful.
I love you sweet Angie and I miss you since you moved. When school settles in, you, me and Marla need to get together. Love you.
Sheila,
You are such a doll. Thank you for reading and supporting my story. I enjoyed working with you wonderful ladies at church, and spending all those hours preparing for VBS.
I’m so ready and looking forward to having lunch with you, Marla and Jan.
Max is back in school and Grace will be next week, so I’m ready for some yummy food and a lunch filled with fellowship.
Thanks so much for supporting me, I’m very blessed.
Your heart breaks for her-and her father. One has to think he was doing what he thought was best in an overwhelming situation. He ignored it and she just stayed busy- a too common way of ‘coping’. Looking forward to the rest of the story. I know that it ends well cause she is an overcomer!!!
Shannon, thank you for commenting and showing interest in my story. Part 2 will clarify a lot. My siblings and my father were forever changed. We are a passionate group and are continuing to overcome life after abandonment.
I cant wait to hear the end of this one !!!!!
I grew up with Angie. I know some of the stuff she went through.When we were children we were close. Its scary that a good friend can go through such heartache and you really didnt know how she really felt.I know Angies dad thought he was doing the right thing for Angie.I dont know what else to say but my heart goes out to you Angie.Love u
Thank you Susan I appreciate your kindness and support.
We have been through a lot together as teens.
Thanks for always being there.
Greatly appreciated
I’ve known Angie for the past 15 years or so since our children were born and I treasure our friendship more than she can know. Angie is the LIFE OF THE PARTY, THE FRIEND to turn to when you are in need, a FEROCIOUS MOTHER BEAR to her children, the GUIDING MENTOR to my children, and THE ONE to count on. Angie is a COUNSELOR who will help you see the good in others and help you forgive the unforgivable. She is a HOT MESS who helps you feel so much better about being a hot mess yourself and for driving carpool in your pajamas on your most desperate days.
It is amazing to me that any person could have experienced what you have, who has received so little, has so much to give to others.
Christine
Those are all such accurate descriptions of Angie, Christine! I agree. Angie, you are amazing Girl! Love you!
Julie Lischer, you are too kind.. I love ya girl
Thanks for your love, kindness and support.
I’m overwhelmed with comfort from all the support this interview has received. It was not easy but I’m glad my challenges could help others.
Thanks for always supporting me.
Awl… Christine how sweet are you.
Such kindness and support..
I’m very grateful and back at you on the
Friendship and hot mess. I’m very blessed and I don’t take that for granted.
I’m overwhelmed with such emotions on how much love and support I have received from this article. I was very reluctant to do it. But I’m glad I did. I feel very fortunate to have all this support.
thank you for being one of my closest and dearest friend.
I love you
15 years, yikes.. thanks so much for making me laugh, because I needed that. now the world knows we wear PJ’s to carpool..lol. no seriously I’m lucky to have you as one of my dearest and closest friends. We have been through a lot, and I wouldn’t of wanted it any other way.
I know I can always count on you, and I’m very grateful.
Thanks for supporting me, not just by reading this and commenting, but for helping with my kids, and family, when I was away caring for my Mom. and for listening to me, and picking me up when I thought I couldn’t do it another day. You were the very first person I saw after I heard my Mom had passed. You came in took over all my duties, and more importantly you talked to me on the phone almost my whole car ride to Indiana. I will be forever grateful.
I love you girl,
I’m lucky that you are part of my life.
Angie, I can relate to so many elements of your life story. I was abandoned by my mother too- but through no fault of her own. As you know she died of leukemia when I was just 7. But she never left any note for me, any little trinket or photos to remember her by. I know she knew she was going to die and I often wonder why she didn’t leave me with some note to say how much she loved me. And sadly, I don’t have any real touching memories of her and I together. My dad was left with 3 children, ages 12, 7 and 2. He, too was an officer in the Army and had to deal with being in charge of his family. And a military discipline was his style like your dad! What happened was, is that he remarried to a woman within a year. My “wicked step mother” (a whole nother saga of my life!). My sister Linda became the nurturing mother in our lives. When she left for college, I remember how abandoned I felt then too. So many similarities to your story, in my opinion. Stories from our past, good and bad, need to be shared. Thanks for having the courage to share yours’. It helps those of us who have continued to bottle it up inside. Speaking of bottle, we need to share one of those too on my back patio as soon as it cools down a bit! I love you Angie! So proud of you! VA
Angie you are so brave to share your story. I knew bits and pieces but it breaks my heart to understand fully the level of abandonment and dysfunction you endured from such a young age. I’m so thankful you have the courage to share and be such an inspiration. What’s so incredible is that you did not even have a “mom” and yet you’re one of the best Mom’s I have ever known. I am certainly more familiar with the ending of story but look forward to part two. Love You, Julie
Julie Peters thanks so much for supporting me.
You have always been there for me and Grace.
I’m grateful for your continued support and all the times you kept Grace for me so I could care for my mom. Grateful & blessed
Omg… did you say patio.. I love you so much. How is it we have been buds all these years and I never knew all of that.. we ARE so similar it’s scary. I’m so glad you shared your story here. I agree it’s important for others to hear and for us to grow from it. I’m grateful for your continue support. You truly are an amazing person.
Love you and I’m holding you to the patio invite.
When someone opens up their life, their soul, their hurts and their healings, it lifts us all to a better place. It probably wasn’t the easiest thing for you to do – but THANK YOU for opening yourself to Melony. xo and hugs, Kara
Kara, thank You for your support and words of encouragement. Abandonment is very complex and most
People don’t truly understand it and it’s impact.
I’m grateful that Melony is in my life and that she was brave enough to tell her story. That now has opened up a safe comfortable place for others to share their’s. We all have to overcome things in life some big some some but just as important. This was a very hard decision for me to share mine. But Melony has way of making you feel loved and safe.
if my story can help others with abandonment or auto immune diseases to feel understood or not alone then it was worth it… grateful and at peace.. thank you
as brave enough
Angie,
I am so sorry to hear the hardship that you have endured growing up. And I know there is nothing I can say to take away the hurt and pain you endured while growing up. From that you have become an amazing person and mother.
All my love,
Tracy
I have knowN angie most of my life and these are things I never nknew. Of course I was a child when I met my mom’s best friend who was always good to me. I never knew your struggles but that has made you a wonderful mother and friend. Love you angie
Brandy,
thank you so much for reading it, and taking time to comment. I remember babysitting you, and you being the flower girl in my wedding. You have turned into a beautiful young lady and Mother. now that you are a Mother yourself, you can understand how important a mother is to a young child. It was not something we discussed back in those days, and honestly even now I’m not comfortable, but, Once I realized that if I could share my journey and if one person out there is going through something like this, then just maybe I can make them feel understood.
Your Mom was the maid of honor at both my weddings, and she was a constant supporter for me, and she took me in when I had no idea what to do with myself.
I’m blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude for all the love and support I have received
Your honesty always brightens my soul…you are the example by which to live with authenticity. I love you and feel blessed to be able to share this journey called “life” with you. Xoxo Paige
Paige,
You know better then anyone, life is a journey, and not always smooth. We have cried together, laughed together, and at times been overwhelmed together. Thank you for reading and supporting my journey. You lived some of it with me, and you know it wasn’t easy at times.
but with faith, love and support, I have learned to forgive and let the next chapter begin.
Thanks so much for supporting me and my journey. I’m very grateful and blessed.
Angie
You are one of the strongest and bravest woman I know and the most kindest and funniest as well!
I couldn’t be more proud of how you have handled this life challenge and instead of tearing you down it made you such a stronger person!
What a role model for all of us!
Thank you for sharing your story, love you!
Darlene,
Thank you it’s funny how people see you differently then you see yourself.
I appreciate your support and responding.
I have had very mixed emotions about opening up my journey, I knew it was going to be hard, but, I didn’t expect the support and responses that I have received.
Thank you so much for your kind words, and support,
so very grateful
Angie,
I’ve known you for so long and never knew all this. You are amazing! God bless you and your family. Thanks for sharing your story. Can’t wait to read the rest.
Love ya,
Cindy
Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out to me. It’s never easy to share certain parts of your life.
I had such a time with my relationship with my mom, and by the time she passed we were not the same 2 people from all those years before.
I was way too young when I married your step brother, and full of abandonment traits and issues, that I didn’t even know I had until years later.
My journey has been long, but fulfilling, and when I was able to understand myself, and how I think, react, and feel. I was able to open my heart and see my Mom in a different way.
Thank you so much for reaching out to me. Your father, and the whole Peacher family were always so kind to me.
I’m very touched by your support.
Sincerely grateful,
Angie
Thank you both for sharing Diane’s story. It’s powerful and will help many people just because you had the courage to fight and not give up. Mental illness and suicide impacts everyone because it’s ether happened to you, a family member, school or work acquaintance, or a friend, so it’s critically important to start treating mental illness like physical illness. If you’re sick – seek help – no matter what it is. So glad you kept fighting for help, and then had the fortutude and kindness to share your story. Thank you!
I’ve always said nobody brings a casserole when people have a child with a drug addiction and you are so right about it being the same for mental illness. I admire Diane for sharing her story so openly. I hope not having to keep what she is experiencing a secret allows her to receive more compassion and support when needed. I know it will certainly help others to know her story and I hope the stigma of Bipolar can be erased very soon so others can feel the freedom to share as well. I think it was great the way you included the details of treatment. Although everyone is different, you often just assume help will be trying medication after medication that probably won’t be effective. It’s good information to share what alternative treatments could be. Thanks for sharing!
Diane EVERYTHING about your story inspires me! I’m so very thankful you shared!!
Brooke, what you shared is profound. Mental illness does not discriminate between gender, political stance, race . . . Everyone is affected in some form or fashion by mental illness. I have been so blessed to have a support network that has worked really hard to understand bipolar and how it affects me specifically. My desire is to speak out for those suffering in silence until those who are suffering can speak out for themselves.
Thank you for bringing to my attention the hard fact that there is little to no support for families affected by substance abuse. It’s a difficult journey for both the caretaker and the one with the disease. I was in treatment with so many ladies in recovery for drugs and alcohol and I witnessed their struggles up close and personal. It’s not pretty but I applaud those who get up and persevere.
Thank you for the encouragement regarding my personal journey with bipolar. It helps give me strength to push thru the tougher times.
Your words blessed my soul I know that you are all to familiar with the journey. Please know that each time you come to mind I send a prayer up on your behalf. Can’t wait to meet face to face one day.
Diane
Thanks for sharing your story with so much transparency! You are an overcomer. Such a beautiful family. Blessings
Laura
Goins
June 30, 2018
6:35 pm
Reply
Diane so proud of
you for sharing your
story. I feel like the
little sister. You have
come so much farther
than me in such a short time. Love you I have more knowledge about
our fighting this battle.
Love you sweet sister.
L
Maureen, thanks for taking the time to read a ‘No Casserole Ilness’ . Transparency for me has been a work in progress. I desire to help pave the wave in reducing stigma in the church. Thanks for your encouraging words.
Laura, thank you for commenting on the article.. you are definitely the big sister. You have paved the way for me. It was your encouragement early on in my diagnosis that brought me to a place of excepting my diagnosis. From there I became vocal about mental illness. What I love about your journey is your passion for Jesus. Without Jesus we are doomed. You have modeled that thinking and behavior for me. I love you big sister! Hope to see you soon!
Diane,
I appreciated you sharing your story and all that God is doing in your life, through the blessings of a wonderfully loving and supportive family, throughout the wealth of knowledge gained in your experiences overcoming, learning, as, you have disciplined yourself with Jesus’s power that you so correctly say and I quote you, “we are doomed without” ……..
I grew up with mental illness with my oldest brother in the 50′ and 60’s when the stigma was more intense so, I relate to all you said.
I look forward to meeting you one day. Blessings and prayers for you and yours, Ann
Amelia Ann,
I apologize for not getting back with you sooner. Honestly, I thought I did reply. Anyway, thank you so much for your encouragement You definitely understand my journey because up close and personal experience with your brother. Yes, stigma was so much greater in the 50’s and 60’s. Still today mental illness is not viewed as an illness like a “physical” illness. Suicide is a selfish act rather than a product of the illness. I too look forward to meeting one day soon! Thanks again!
This is such a difficult situation that is overlooked so many times. Hopefully it will become visible more often and more quickly.
This disease has been put under the rug too often. Hopefully it is more in the light now.
Diane,
Thanks for sharing! You’re truly an overcomer, an inspiration to many.