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Before I Go …
If you would indulge me for one last post before my leave of absence, I need to share some news.
Many of you know – at least those who’ve been tracking the past three years of my family adventures (including four 5150s and one call to the sheriff) – the past three years have been a sometimes dark and frightening journey. Although I’ve been vague on the details, let’s just say I often turned to my Catholic friends who are familiar with the prayers of deliverance… and so much more… in my most desperate times. We never knew what we’d be facing as each day came, hoping we would get through it without incident. Yet, despite the incredible stress and my now rekindled case of PTSD (a little exaggeration), God has been there the entire time, applying His mysterious boundaries while allowing just enough suffering to gain His intended result.
It was three years ago this coming August that my daughter took me to the local county to report for jury duty, driving erratically on the way while dismissing my concerns as me not understanding that it was the way she drives – as if there are style options to operating a motor vehicle. I’ve never asked her, but I suspected at the time she was under the influence of something.
I made it there, all right. But as I sat in the jury box and the bailiff was shutting down all questions, I received a text message. She’d been in an accident. A very bad accident. Without going into the gory details, I’ll say this: the car was totaled. And it wasn’t just totaled in some mild way; the front bumper was within a half foot of the front seat.
She walked away without a scratch, an ache, a bruise, or any sort of trauma. Only God.
Her addictions and mental disorders continued. These days I get confused about when things happened and in what order. I only remember the string of psychotic episodes and how she screamed at me, physically attacked me, and challenged my faith in all kinds of new ways.
I got more involved. Very involved. Like, Helicopter-Mom involved. She’d found a therapist that she liked. I wasn’t sure. I went to one session. The therapist, like other therapists who like to blame the mother for everything, was antagonistic toward me and my faith. And, to underscore the dissonance between us, she openly promoted THC products, bragging about the many “weed connoisseurs” she served in her clientele.
I smiled and nodded as we left, knowing it would be the last session.
The next week brought sweet justification as my daughter’s psychiatrist threatened to report the THC therapist for malpractice. My daughter isn’t stupid; shortly after our office visit with the best doc in the world, she stopped cold turkey. And found another therapist – a very good one.
Time marched on, and the ups and downs continued, definitely tapering down, but only settling into a state of chronic malaise. Then one weekend she went to her best friend’s graduation ceremony. She came back and said, “Mom, I need to go back to school. I need a purpose.” It was July of 2023. Too late to apply for the Fall. Yet, somehow, the doors opened, the paths were laid out, and the support services were secured. She was in.
She is graduating next month with a degree in Psychology. (It hasn’t really hit me yet.)
This, despite being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune system disease a year ago February. The treatment required extraordinarily high doses of prednisone, leading to a weight gain of over 100 pounds on her slight frame. She is still working through treatment, and it ain’t a cake-walk. Adrenal failure is serious stuff – her adrenal gland needs to wake up!
But here’s the thing: None of these challenges have stopped her. As crummy as she’s felt and still feels, she works and works and works. Her grades show it.
Now we’re getting into graduation celebration mode, buying dresses, planning parties… the whole sh-bang. And then this happens.
Yesterday, she had a phone interview for a job in Behavioral Health. It was her first interview. And it’s a job with a good organization.
Pending a background check, she’s been offered the job.
She is the only person I know who, for every job she’s ever applied for, has been offered the job on the spot.
I tell you all of this because you deserve to know. I owe the loving people of Ricochet so much. Your prayers and encouragement have kept me going in ways you cannot possibly understand right now. Thank you so much. I love you.
GLW
P.S. I’ll be back.
Published in General
Hello GLW,
I will pray for both you and your daughter. Enjoy your time away – Family and God are so much more important than Ricochet. However, if you get time in in the future, Ricochet would love to have you and your insights back.
Thank you so much. You have been very kind to me.
Can you help me with something? I’m trying to find something like FAQs that tell me what happens when I expire (not in the eternal way, just in the subscription way). Access to old posts, etc. I also have a question about the Coolidge Plan for when I come back.
I blame Mom.
Hahahaha!!!!!!
Hello @randyweivoda , @ejhill. Can you help with the questions above?
Sorry … I meant the Reagan plan. I’d like to know how that plan is different from the other two. But don’t worry about me … I’ll send a note to customer support. Thank you again
GLW
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and hold you close always.
We all look forward to your return to Ricochet in His good time.
GLW, you might find this interesting. This is an interview with an exorcist.
https://www.youtube.com/live/MnA_I7Yc3wg?si=2Qzx3Dq55DDaY2nx
I will pray for you and yours.
Thank you. That means so much.
An inspiring story. Your daughter is blessed to have you by her side with your love and intelligence and faith.
We love you too. :)
I wish I had something profound to offer…
Your story of faith, courage, determination, Love, persistence, and grit; in the face of so many deep and difficult trials and tribulations, is humbling and awe inspiring.
(((HUGS))) prayers and wishing further Blessings and Grace on you and yours.
Your priorities are correct.
If (when?) time allows, we would love to see you back.
I will definitely watch. Thank you Jean
Thank you Marci. I don’t know why this all happened. But I do know that my life and the lives of my two daughters are hidden in Christ with God. And one day we will understand . I look forward to that, but I am not anxious for it.
Your words bless me Nohaaj. The Almighty is so mysterious. I would never ask for any of this. But I am grateful for what he’s doing through all of it. So I guess if I knew ahead of time that it would be worth it, maybe I would’ve been willing. But seriously I don’t think so. Love and peace!
GLW
There is a reward for perseverance and a collection of words don’t really say enough about it. Loved reading your post and a deep-felt congratulations to your daughter and you.
Ahh. He is faithful. God always seems to get me through. I honestly don’t have anything to do with the progress except begging him to intervene with tears and whining. I think he must’ve gotten tired of listening to me.
Thank you, Chris. I really appreciate your support and your kind words. I think I may be back somewhat soon. I have been dying to write… I haven’t written anything for months and today, given everything that’s happened, I felt like I owed all of you an update. And it felt good to write that.
God bless you
GLW
As long as you remember your old login information, everything should be right where you left it when you come back.
The Reagan membership doesn’t really give you more features than the Coolidge membership. It’s just a way for those with means to pitch in more money to support the site. But when Ricochet 5 comes out, maybe there will be some changes to the plans.
Got it! Thank you for the info. I look forward to 5.
Blessings,
GLW
With God all things are possible. Prayer is the only true solution to our problems because God provides exactly what we need.
I will miss your writing and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Hi Juliana
I will miss you too. I agree with you. Take care of yourself. I’ll be back sometime soon.
GLW
Great Ahhh-nold impression!
As to your leave, we’ll keep the light on for ya . . .
Merci
You will be missed, as many before me have said. Your story and daughter are truly inspiring. May she have a long, healthy, accomplished life and bring you many blessings. Like the others, I’ll look forward to your return. G-d bless and keep you in His loving embrace.
Take care GLW. Looking forward to your return. If your daughter aways gets a job offer on the spot it’s not lucky, it’s exceptional.