Journey Joy-November 5, 2015

The middle of October we visited with the Henderson Family.  They have a 12 year old son, Edward, and a daughter living in Utah, getting married in January.  They were a sweet family but she was very emotional because he was going to deploy on October 26. We kept in contact and offered to help in any way possible.  On Tuesday, October 27 we got a phone call from Cecily and she wanted to have a blessing.  When we got to their home, she was an emotional wreck.  She began telling us their story. It seems that he has had some problems with pornography.  They had met with the bishop and she feels like he is trying but unable to get it under control.  She has also had multiple health issues, he has been passed up for promotion, they had a failed business adventure which caused a bankruptcy, plus dealing with the healing of a spouse feeling not good enough because of pornography.  She told us that she has even thought about suicide but would never do that because she knew her children needed her.

Craig and I felt a little overwhelmed with the information.  Craig gave her a wonderful blessing and we left for the night.  On Friday night we saw her at the Halloween party.  She said she was doing much better and felt like she was going to be OK.  Then on Saturday she text and said she wanted us to come by and give Edward a blessing.  On Sunday, November 1, we went over to visit.  Craig gave a message kind of like a home teaching message.  Edward then had a blessing.  We had a nice visit  and were invited to come back anytime.  I told her I didn't want to bug her too much by texting or calling but she said, "bug me all you want."

The next text came on Wednesday she texted and said she wasn't doing very good.  She expressed her concern again about him gone and that she feels she has no self esteem.  On Wednesday evening I called Erika (my daughter-in-law) to get some advise from a 'real' counselor.  I am truly grateful for her help and advice.  So today is Thursday, November 5, and we are meeting with her again tonight.   I have been looking for a talk or a thought to take to her.

She is such a sweet sister.  I feel like we are good friends even though we have only known her her a little over a month.  This will be an ongoing situation until he comes back in December.  It won't really be cured when he gets back but the situation will change.  I'm not sure what our role will be then.  The wedding is in January and so that will be another stressor on their family situation.

Craig and I have spent some special time with her and Edward.  We know that the Lord is aware of her and blessing her.  We have had to go in prayer to determine what we should do or say.  I listened to the Osmond Brothers sing "I Believe".  I have felt an overwhelming feeling that our Heavenly Father is truly aware of Cecily.  However, its time for her to trust in him and let some of the pain go and let Him carry it.  I'm just not sure how to explain this to her and what to say.  I guess I'll have to depend on the Lord also.