Overcome...
Can one be overcome when their life is spiraling out of control? Overcome by their own choices, overcome by grief, overcome by the taxing burden of spinning so many plates? Yes, is the answer and it has happened to my beloved daughter, Katie. Katie is in the struggle of her life and in the wake of that struggle, she has opted out to find "me". Sound like 1984? It does to me. If what she says is true and she is finally getting counseling, it's more than about time. I can not comprehend how any mother can leave their children, especially one who so earnestly wanted each of them so much.
Honestly, I don't even know how to react except instinctually to help Tommy and the kids get through and move into the future without her. I can not comprehend what this will look like for any of us. I am heartbroken for three small kids and a good man who are now facing Christmas, Christmas, for crying out loud, without her. I am broken hearted that I could not reach her. How can this be happening? Too much, too sad, too frustrating, not fair! Oh, and did I say I am angry, I am seething, I am wanting to punch something so hard it would fly into next week. I want to scream the F word a thousand times over.
Tommy will need lots of help and prayer. I know our legion of amazing friends can be on their knees over this. And those with true servants hearts can volunteer to step up to the plate. Tommy's email is nappy1501@comcast.net. If you can babysit, know a nanny, want to encourage him or want to do laundry, email him.
And yippee for me. I have a counseling appointment Friday. Poor Glenn's ears will probably fall off. Am I defeated yet? No. I am STILL standing, standing for Him. God's eyes are not off this situation for a minute and that is from my heart.
posted by Barb K @ 10:50 PM
16 Comments:
Hi Barb,
This is a friend in Australia who served with laurie for a short time over in Mexico.
I have been following your blogs over the last few months and I can't express how much I admire your faithfulness and your godliness in all situations. You have been such an example to me in the way you have dealt with everything that has happened over this year and you are such a wonderful encouragement and support to so many people around you!
Just know that you have so many people praying for you all over the world at the moment.
I'm so sorry that you are being tested with so much stuff... the devil sucks but stand firm to the promises that God has given you and turn to him for all the strength you need.
Praying for you double on this extremely hard day and may God bless you and your family abundantly during this Christmas season.
Much love,
Kathryn
It's not over... not yet. The fight is worth it... it would have been for Laurie (had we known), it will be for Katie. It's worth it.
You are worth it. You are protected. You are cradled. You are strong and brave yet beautifully vulnerable.
It's not fair. It sucks like a leech on a vessel. But the f*ing Devil will be bound...
It's worth it. Fight back. I'll do it with you...
Oh, Barb...I am so sorry your family is going through this. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you all. As a mother, I cannot imagine leaving my children, but I am not Katie and I have not been through what she has. I can only pray that God blesses all of you during this difficult time, and that He wraps His loving arms around all of you.
You are an awesome woman, mom, grandma...I hope that you know that! Hang in there and know that people all over this country, world, universe, are thinking about you and praying for you.
Kim
Barb....Words seem so meaningless at a time like this. My heart aches and breaks for you, with you, for Tommy and the kids. I truely pray that Katie will seek the help she needs and recognize her responsibility to her family and more important to her God. I pass no judgments, just prayers. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Keep the faith.
Eileen G.
Barb,
You don't know me, but I've been reading your family's blogs for quite some time. I stumbed upon them when I did a google search for Aaron Niequist. Anyway, I've become quite attached to your family over the past few months. I wanted you to know I'm keeping each of you in prayer. The holidays can be an incredibly difficult time when you've lost someone you love. I'm sorry to hear that Katie is going through such a struggle. She seems, from her blog, to be such an amazing young woman. I have to tell you that in 2004 my aunt passed away while driving home from work. I was absoultely crushed because she had been such a huge part of my life. There were so many questions unanswered for me. That summer I felt like I had enough, like I didn't know me, like there were so many questions I needed answered about me, and that I needed to stop living for everyone else. I chose to move to Alaska. I left everyone here, gave no warning, and no explanation other than I needed to figure me out. When I read what's happening with Katie, last summer all came back to me. The flood of raw emotions, the hurt, and the confusion. I did come home though. I figured out that the biggest part of who I was, was the people I had left behind in the wake of my hurt. I don't know if Katie will change her mind, but I will pray with my whole heart for her husband, her kids, and for your family...prayer for strength, patience, peace, and love... May you each find a way to enjoy this Christmas season, and may you all feel His arms wrapped tightly around you...His love pouring over you.
Barb,
You don't know me, but my sisters knew Laurie from Student Impact. I just want to encourage you, that God is SO faithful! Even though the circumstances in life change like the wind, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Keep bringing all the crap that happens to Him and He will bring you comfort! Our God is Mighty, keep on trusting! I will be lifting your family up to Him! Please be encouraged to know that alot of people who don't know you personally, are praying for you and your family. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Kelly
Barb,
I keep coming back to your comments to read all of the lovely thoughts & prayers your friends have left. I know that they aren't directed at me, but they still warm my heart. They show me that there are some wonderful people in this world and I just think that is awesome. You are so loved & cherished. =)
Kim
Praying for you and your family.
I can't wait to actually give you a hug on Friday.
xoxo
Shelly
Dear Barb
I was heartbroken for you when I read your post today. Although I only know your family through reading your blogs, I have still been so moved and affected by what I have read. I will be praying for your whole family through this difficult season.
Blessings,
Meg
Dearest Barb,
You are loved and prayed for every day. May God wrap His arms even tighter around your family and carry you through this difficult time.
A sister in Christ
Barb,
My heart breaks for you... for the pain the holidays already bring and now the additional layers.
These are the things I am praying - I had put it on my blog so just copying over here: ...watch over those that are in deep pain... anguish... heartache... strengthen them, comfort them, give them peace... deep soul level peace. Show them the next step and help them keep on stepping... break through the attacks of the evil one and bring them some joy & hope in this holiday season... protect them. please.
Also of course praying for Pete - Katie, Tommy, the CUTE kiddos and the rest of the extended family. Seriously though - those kids are so cute it is unbelievable.
Press on Barb. Keep leaning into his strength. I know you are.
Glad you have counseling Friday! That you already have a relationship with Glenn so you can jump right in.
We are praying for your family. I am sickened by this. Tommy must be one amazing man.
Hey Barb,
I just wanted to leave you a little note before the holidays. (I probably won't get the chance to get online until after Christmas)
You are an amazing woman. I really do look up to you. Thank you for your prayers, your cards, and your thoughts. They have all meant so much to me! You & Mandy have touched me and I have been inspired by both of you.
hang in there. You are loved. There are a bunch of people thinking and praying for you and your family. I hope the holidays go well for you. *hugs*
Kim
PS:Do you still talk to Deb? I can't find her blog or her email and I wanted to contact her. If you do talk to her, can you please let her know I was thinking about her? Thanks!
Barb-I'm good friends with Drew and met you once at Harper's shower..I just want you to know that your faith and your strong holding to the Lord is an unbelievable encouragement to me. Just from reading your blogs and talking to people that know you personally you continue to truly live out what it means to be a faithful daughter of our Father, an amazing mother, grandmother and wife. You and your family are in my prayers constantly..
May you feel God's blessings and love even more this Christmas :o)
-Jessica
Oh Barb,I am weeping with you and am definately praying for you and for your family and for Katie. I cannot even begin to imagine your pain. Kathy
Barb - you and your family are in our prayers. We love you - The Novelli's
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