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
Wonderful story with such powerful encouraging words!
She tried hard to keep them together. It goes to show you that it takes both partners to make a marriage work. Each giving 100%. I’m glad she replaced all this sadness with putting God in her life.
You are a brave woman, Jenna! I am SO PROUD of you!
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
As an educator, I see parents with children like this who simply place blame or avoid the problem not wanting a diagnosis. I applaud these parents for being vigilant and putting their child’s needs above their own fears of the dreaded diagnosis. They need to beat themselves up with a feather, not the hammer of bad parent guilt. They are far from bad parents!
Such a wonderful story. As an educator for over twenty years I have been able to witness first hand the “signs” of ADD/ADHD in children. It is very hard for some parents to acknowledge there may be a problem with their child. I like to ask these parents if they thought their child was a diabetic would they seek medical advice? A child having a learning problem or behavior problem is no one’s fault. Seeking medical advice is the first step to helping all involved.
Nothing frustrates me more than when people negate ADD/HD as a ‘parenting problem’. I have three kids and my oldest is textbook ADHD. School was fun for him-as he is a smart, funny kid that other kids like. He struggled however with following through on assignments, standing in line, controlling impulsivity-from getting up in the middle of class and wandering around the classroom to hugging his friends when he was happy and excited. Some of his friends at younger ages did not know how to handle that demonstrative affection. We had one counselor tell us to take him to the local police station and file an ‘unruly child’ report. He explained that the police would then take him into custody and hold him in a cell for four hours. HE WAS FIVE. Who would do that to a five year old?? He told his dad one day leaving kindergarten that he TRIED to listen to what his teacher was saying but that it was hard to look at her because “she vibrates.” We sought different professional opinions and finally found a wonderful therapist and psychiatrist and when he was six we started medication. School was still a struggle from year to year and very much teacher dependent. I had to be noisy sometimes and be his advocate when he could not. He had a teacher that would punish him by taking recess away. Hello?? The “H” stands for hyperACTIVE-he needed that activity. We came up with an alternative for when he acted out that was not punitive, did not draw attention to him that other kids noticed and worked much better. I did have to have the principal get involved in that fight that year. And I would do it again. School was not fun for him but he did it. Puberty changes made for some hurdles too. He had frequent ‘temper tantrums’ if you will will until the age of 12. Frustration manifesting itself. Teen years and the impulsive behaviors were not something I want to do over for sure…but by God’s grace we all made it.
He is now 19, a high school graduate and working full time as a certified welder. He loves being outside and working with his hands. As most ADHD kids, his ability to hyper-focus is amazing and serves him well. We have talked through the years and I have gained great insight the older he has become and the more able he has become to put his feelings into words. He is off his medication. He is considering college but not a big fan of organized education right now. He says he needs a “break from school and filling in circles on tests.” I can respect that. HE is a fun, loving kid, always has a smile on his face, game for just about anything, he loves loud and proud! I always know where he is when he is around and he always makes me smile. I would not change ONE THING about him. I adore him. And I respect him too. He is making his way in this world HIS way.
I would tell Ava and Matthew to just tie a knot in the rope and hang on. Its not an easy ride with an ADD kid but its not boring for sure!!! It hurts to see your kid struggle and we used those moments to teach Adam empathy and compassion. Teachable moments will abound!!!
Such brave parents! I know their story will help many!
It takes very dedicated parents to help these children and loving teachers.
As Alyssa* shared her story with me, I couldn’t help but think of Francine Rivers’ book. It should have been no surprise when at the end of the interview, I asked if any books had impacted her during her
Mel- awesome article! Alyssa is an inspiration for all, she is such a testimony about how God pursues us, even when we don’t want (or don’t think we want) Him to. God is awesome, so is Twyla!
Thank you for sharing Alyssa’s overcoming story! Redeeming Love is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it.
Well written and very encouraging to me – saved by God’s grace.
Blessings, Maureen
Like many, I have read hundreds of wonderful books over the years, and when anyone asks what’s my favorite, I always respond with Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. Everyone should read! So proud of you Alyssa, one day at a time, overcoming so many challenges, living in His redeeming love. God Bless and thank you for sharing your story.
Wow! Great testimony! Thanks for sharing your story!
Wow, what an incredible journey she’s been through. Thanks for sharing! Redeeming Love is one of my favorite books!!
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.
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
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.