WHAT TO DO WHEN LIFE IS A LITTLE HARD TO SWALLOW…

When I wrote this book,

I thought I had a good understanding of the dynamics of addictive relationships.

There was so much more for me to learn.

Here is the rest of the story – the amazing adventures of a grateful grandma.

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Dear grandchildren,

More than 20 years have passed since I wrote about my story in this book. My personal journey is summarized in the dedication poem I wrote to my children, “The Chinning Bar is in the Door.”

When Beyond Survival was first published, Jesus had not yet miraculously healed my mother. Therefore, in this edition the “Happy Heart” story is at the beginning, not the end.

But that was not the only amazing thing that God did. These last twenty or so years have been rich in life lessons. Now, that I am in my 70’s I hope I have gained some wisdom.

How do I tell you what else happened? Or share what I have since learned? Or describe what God has been teaching me?  How could God restore all the damage caused by denial?

The first half of the book is about life and God, as I understood it then. The rest of the story of God’s amazing love and His power to heal will be found starting in the middle of this book.

As was my original desire, I want to share my faith and life journey in order to bring you, and other readers, new hope.

I might be your grandmother, but I could be your neighbor, friend, or maybe I spoke in your church years ago.

But that isn’t important. The fact that God’s love can bring healing for any kind of wound is what really matters.

                                                                     Love is patient,

 Love is kind.

It is not jealous,

[love] is not pompous, it is not inflated,

 it is not rude,  it does not seek its own interests,

 it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,

it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.

 It bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

(1 Corinthians 13: 4-8)

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My mother wrote the following poem on a Christmas card – maybe around 1979 or 1980 

A TOAST TO ‘NANCY’,

(An Image of faith, courage, and integrity)

How very proud we are of you –

We’ve always been; you know that’s true

You’ve braved your hurts, you still can smile

You’ve helped us see, your life’s worthwhile

You’ve suffered much, yet bore your grief

In such a way, one has belief-

In God’s great love, His saving grace

If we but pray, all cares erase

Throughout your years of smiles and tears

You’ve come this far in forty years

To show the world what you’re made of

For that I thank the Lord above

For all you’ve done – will always do

To pave the way – to see the “blue”

Thru problems that may lie ahead

Your faith and courage will help instead –

Of doubting, fearing and wondering “Why”

So many things can go awry

You’ll ‘hang-in-there’, you’ll see it thru

‘Cause best of all – dreams do come true

Oh! How I wish that Dad were here

To share this joy, to toast our cheer

Yet, we all know that surely he –

Is with us now, Shares heartfelt glee

So here’s to you, our daughter dear!

God be with you throughout this year!

But, because my mother was an alcoholic, I never knew what she would say next, and lived most of my life feeling very confused about my feelings about my mother.

“From me, right now, remember, Jesus Loves You!”