Longing... looking... searching... hoping... wishing.... I couldn't quite decide which word to use for titling this post. Because they all fit. That's what we do in an estranged relationship. Long for hope. Look for hope. Search for hope. Wish for hope. Especially during the holidays, one of the most difficult times of year.
Vicki wrote me last August and shared her heart-breaking story about being separated from her grown son and his anger and resentment toward her. She asked for prayers. Last week, she wrote me again, and I asked if I could share her letter. She said yes...
"Dear Sheryl, Thank you
for posting my prayer on your prayer list for August. I have received
one phone call from my son, and our conversation did not go well. My son
feels that I should support him financially for all the missing years,
and this broke my heart even further. He is 26 years of age and living
with his father and stepmother. I have no money to give to my
son, and he is fully aware of my situation.
"As I mentioned in my previous
email, my ex-husband has brainwashed my son for 23 years with anger
and resentment toward me and my other son. I
wanted with all my heart and soul for the marriage to work so my
sons could have a family. I endured so much abuse in the marriage that I had
no other possible option but to leave.
"The
holidays are coming up, and I cannot celebrate them due to all the pain
and heartache of seeing my son after all these years who has grown into a
bitter, angry young man who has no respect for me in any way.
Sheryl, please enclose a prayer from my behalf to all the parents facing similar circumstances as myself.
"Thank you
for your understanding and, most of all, for your website in helping many
parents cope with their heartbreaking stories.
"God
bless you and your family! I hope maybe one day soon my son will know
the truth about me and have a beautiful, loyal, relationship like you and
your wonderful son. I pray one day soon my son will see the light and
understand my side of the story.
"I pray for all parents going through similar circumstances, especially with the holidays approaching. Sincerely, Vicki"
Dear Vicki and all hurting parents, may God bless you and strengthen you and surround you with ministering angels in the coming days and new year, too. You are not alone in your pain, though I know that doesn't ease your hurt. In His time, God can and will turn your heartache into something good. Please try to find something to smile about every day, if even for a few moments. You are special. You are loved. You are meant for good and wonderful works in this life. Keep walking in Him, dear friend and friends.
With love and many prayers in this Christmas season of hope, sheryl
FOR REASONS I DONT KNOW.I HAVENT BEEN IN TOUCH WITH MY 53 YEAR OLD SON.IF IT WERENT FOR FOR A SITE ON THE INTERNET I WOULD NOT KNOW IF HE WERE ALIVE,HE POSTS ON IT.NOW I RED HE IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A BLOCKAGE IN HIS INTESTINS.SO MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIM.YET,IT HURTS.BUT THANKS TO JESUS,I KNOW HE IS IN GOD`S HANDS,GOD IS HIS SON AND THAT GIVES ME SUCH PEACE.SO IT IS OKAY.IF I NEVER UNITE WITH HIM AGAIN.MY MEMORIES OF HIM AS A CHILD CHEER ME.THE TEARS ARE FEW,MY DAYS ARE WONDERFUL FOR THE BLESSINGS GOD GIVES ME,TO BE AT PEACE NO MATTER WHAT. I AM 85 YEARS YOUNG AND KNOWING GOD IS IN CHARGE HAS BEEN A BLESSING.TANK YOU JEUS
ReplyDeleteI am so so sorry for your heartache. Estrangement seems to affect so many families. There's no age limit, either. We have it in our family. Please email me if you want. You are handling the situation beautifully, just as God would want. Your son and I are the same age. With love and prayers, sheryl
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