Memory 1976?
During the time of the abduction, my father, Ken, travels from Virginia to Pennsylvania. My mother has abducted me, and we are hiding at her sister’s home in Manheim. I am standing in my aunt’s kitchen when I hear daddy’s voice. I call out to him and start to run towards the door. My mother grabs me from behind and prevents me from going to my father. End of memory.
Therapy 2025
“If I had been there, I would have busted down the door!” my husband Sean declares after hearing this story.
Ironically, I later discover that my father did try to bust down the door. I wonder if he heard me calling out for him? Busting down the door caused him to look like the “bad guy” in the eyes of the law. How was he to explain to the authorities the complexity of our situation?
Few people knew how confused my mother was. She had convinced her family of her paranoid perspective about my father. Only after the “sleeping pill” incident did her family realize how severely her mental illness had progressed. Pills
Reflection
Growing up in the care of my mentally ill mother was filled with numerous chaotic and scary events. Processing this trauma is like walking through a door that leads into the mysterious unknown- see painting at top of blog. I painted this picture with a dove above the doorway to remind me that the Holy Spirit is with me as I walk through these scary doors of my past.
Scripture
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev. 3:20 NIV
Prayer
Good evening Father God,
You are a good, good Father. You search for us when we are lost. You tear down strongholds that keep us in bondage. You rescue us from our foes. You wrap Your strong arms around us and carry us back home. Our home is with You. You are our dwelling place. In Your presence is fullness of joy. Help us to find creative ways to enjoy Your presence in our daily routines.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Shout out to Madison, the cashier at Weis grocery store. Your cheery smile and pleasant personality bring sunshine to my shopping experience.
“Well done!” to the medical staff at WellSpan for a safe and efficient biospy of the nodule in my thyroid. Your team did a good job at helping me face my fear of the procedure. Praising Jesus that the nodule was benign!
Thank you Sean for making supper tonight so that I could finish this blog. XOXO!
healinghope4women 