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Post by JeepGirl on Aug 8, 2018 3:47:49 GMT
It is late and I am so tired but cannot go another day without sharing this. Many of you know my es has a son and daughter. I talk to my grandson on occasion when I go to the service station where he works. But I have not seen my 16-year old granddaughter for a few years. I would see her when I subbed in the school she attended but other then a smile, she would not talk to me. Not going to her 8th grade graduation was very hard for me. Next month she will be starting her junior year in high school.
I cannot even remember how much I have shared so far in my posts, so if I repeat myself, please forgive me. I spoke to my dil for the first time in years when I went up to her a few months ago in school. I expressed my condolences on the recent death of her mom and we talked for about 10 minutes. During the conversation she said she had no problem with the kids calling me if they wanted to. My granddaughter did text me (first time in several years) after she received a bouquet of flowers I sent her for her 16th birthday. You can imagine how much that simple "thank you" text meant to me. When we are estranged, we don't take things for granted by any means and the smallest gestures from our estranged kids or grands mean the world to us.
In June, my dd was having my grandson's high school graduation party and I knew my es and family would be invited, and they were. I was really prayed up before entering the building that evening and I know I had the presence of the Holy Spirit in me. That evening, my dil came up to me (like I had done to her in school) and just started talking to me. My grandson and granddaughter came up with her. I cannot describe my feelings. It was a miracle happening and I was right in the center of it. My es never talked to me that evening but, I was actually okay with it. Once you have grandchildren, you know how it goes. (lol) The grands just go right to the top. I got to hug both my grandchildren that evening and kept thanking God all night long.
Well, later this week, both my granddaughters (dd's and es's) are planning to come over and spend the day with me. Helping me with my horse and dog and I am sure will be riding the quads. Then we will be having dinner before I bring them home. I know anything can happen but the girls and I and made the arrangements. My dd confirmed it was fine with her and my es's daughter knows she can only come here with parents' approval. My es's daughter has been texting me since then about job she is interviewing for. I just cannot believe this is happening. We pray and pray for our situations to change and when God starts to heal and restore, we are shocked. But, after the shock, we realize that He truly was with us and did have a plan. But, it is so hard, at times, to believe and trust when any reconciliation seems hopeless.
Some of you are in the early stages of estrangement and some, like me, have been estranged for some time. About nine years estranged from my son. I have experienced a lot of heartache, sadness, depression and whatever else you could think of during this time. It really was prayers and coming here that kept me stable and even able to eventually move forward. And please know that God really does have a plan and He will see each of us through the heartache and tears of our estrangements. I don't know what will be in the future regarding my es, grands, etc. but I know the door has opened. My prayers for an open door for everyone here, and sooner rather than later. I pray for our Lord to give each of us Hope and Trust that He is in control and will heal our broken hearts in His time. Praying for our children to be safe until the appointed time He has for each of us. Prayers, Love and Hugs to everyone....
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Post by heavyhart on Aug 8, 2018 12:56:05 GMT
Thank you for your post. I also have a grandchild.....only met and hugged once.
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Post by luke2231 on Aug 8, 2018 13:15:25 GMT
Jeep!
How THRILLING!!! It has been such a long time you've waited for this! Really, His timing is perfect, even if we have to wander through the desert for years... I find it funny how you say we're shocked when restoration begins; I can see that. After accepting life without, you get so used to thinking and acting as if a relationship is possible, I can imagine it is shocking. But, what a good kind of shock! Sending you prayers and hugs for total healing to be part of it, including your ES, who must know and hear about it. May the softening and understanding break through! Giving God the glory today! And giving you virtual hugs and not-so-virtual prayers for even more... xoxo
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Post by everloving11 on Aug 8, 2018 13:22:20 GMT
Oh, JeepGirl, this is all so wonderful. I know it's hard to let yourself relax in it all and not imagine that it'll be like walking on eggshells BUT, no matter what the outcome, ENJOY!!! WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by lindajoan on Aug 8, 2018 17:35:50 GMT
Jeepgirl, what a wonderful answer to prayer. It is so exciting that you will have both granddaughters visiting. God is truly in control. I will
pray that it is a wonderful day for all of you. Please keep us posted. God bless you all.
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Post by lindajoan on Aug 8, 2018 17:38:45 GMT
Heavyhart, Thank you for posting. We are here for you and will be praying for you.
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Post by JeepGirl on Aug 10, 2018 4:31:23 GMT
It happened. It actually happened. I spent time with my two granddaughters (12 yrs and 16 yrs. today). My dd's daughter (the 12yr old is extremely mature for her age and is fine with her older cousin). Of course, having my horse, my dog, and our quad helped us ease into a "comfortable" space, as well as all the money I spent on their favorite drinks, snacks, fruit, cookies, etc. (lol)
When she arrived at my house, I knew it was hard for her because it was the first time she was ever here and her cousin has always been here. I removed all pics of her cousins and tried to be sensitive. She settled in quickly and the day just flew by. We went out to dinner and then I brought them both home. I don't have to tell you how I thanked and praised the Lord almost continuously all day and it was not nearly enough to express how thankful I was and He truly, truly gets all the glory.
I learned quite a bit today. Of course, being estranged, we have no real clue about what our grands are thinking or have been told. The first thing I discovered was that my granddaughter remembered the "good" things we shared in the past. I was very surprised because, in spite of what she has heard and what she was told by my es, she kept reminding me of the "cookies we made", some of the times we spent together (some of which I didn't even recall), and all good. How could that be anything but the hand of God?
The final thing I want to share is that my granddaughter and I had time alone in my car when I brought her home. At that time, she shared something with me and asked if I would promise not to tell anyone. She went onto to say that she remembered she could "always talk" to me and "trust" me. She then proceeded to share with me and said she wasn't doing it anymore and she has good girlfriends whom she can talk to, who help her and who are there for her. She said her parents suspected but she denied it and that was the end of it. She continued to share some of her thoughts and feelings. I reminded her that I prayed and that I would pray everyday for her. I also went on to tell her how God created her and made her so beautiful and special and that it was satan putting bad thoughts in her head. That satan was evil and dark and wants to destroy families and kids through drugs, alcohol, bullying, and even suicide. I said that when those thoughts start coming to her mind, to remember where they were coming from (they were NOT from God) and suggested that she immediately get up and do something she enjoys doing, maybe call/text a friend, her parents and, of course, me. I hugged her and told her I loved her and she said she loved me to.
Thank you, once again, Lord, for this most precious gift I received today and I pray I can be there for my gd as she goes through this difficult time. And, of course, I pray for each and everyone on this site and, ultimately, for their reconciliations. My estrangement is far from over but I am going to continue to trust and obey.
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Post by annpraying on Aug 10, 2018 18:33:58 GMT
JeepGirl, what a beautiful day that had to be. Praise God and his goodness. Sounds like having you back in her life is a blessing for your sweet granddaughter as well. I'm so happy for you. I was bawling while I read your post for lots of reasons. First, I'm SO incredibly happy for you -- so there were happy tears for you. I will keep you and all those on this site in my prayers. God is good and loving. Second, I cried because I've been experiencing what seems like signs of potential future movement in our relationship with our ES and his family and I can only hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us so we too can experience a beautiful reconciliation.
Hugs sent your way.
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Post by lindajoan on Aug 10, 2018 18:37:08 GMT
Jeepgirl, I am rejoicing with you. What a wonderful blessing to
see your granddaughter. How special that she remembered many good things you had done together. Also, she felt close enough to you to share things she is going through.
I will pray that this is the beginning of many visits and an opening to
reconciliation with your Es. God bless you.
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Post by luke2231 on Aug 10, 2018 20:13:50 GMT
Really Jeep, it does sound like a totally total God thing! From you being so sensitive to taking photos of her cousins down, to her remembering making cookies (I think next time (!!!) I would plan some time making more cookies!), to having time alone in the car, it really does seem like there are good things happening!
I find it interesting that despite not having you in her life for so long, she felt completely comfortable sharing things with you that she's hiding from her parents. And your answer to her was spot-on. I like that you included her parents into the ideas of things to do should she need an outlet or distraction from whatever's going on. Although she can trust you, they're still her parents, and it shows that you honor them as such, despite your ES still being estranged! You're still supporting him even if he doesn't - yet - see it! It likely also means that he knows about her visiting you and he's okay with it, which is a whole sea-change in itself! Plus, if she feels comfortable enough telling him about your time together, he may see that being around you is good for her. ;-)
Although I don't know if a change in my own heart means anything whatsoever about any resolution with our son, I do know that I am much more at peace about letting God bring His plan to fruition. I would so love to have my son back in my life, but I know there's no guarantee that will happen. Most days I'm okay with that. I don't know why God allows certain things to happen in our lives... cancer, death, divorce, catastrophes, estrangement, etc.. but I think He uses those things to get our attention so He can draw us to Him. So He can mold us into being more Christ-like.
So I rejoice with you not only that you are seeing a change in your earthly circumstances, but also in your eternal one too! Sending you love and hugs (while I'm jumping up and down, pumping my fist saying "YES!")!!!
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rose
New Member
Posts: 24 
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Post by rose on Aug 13, 2018 11:38:55 GMT
I am beaming with joy at your story. The Lord certainly blessed not only you but also those girls who got to experience a wonderful time with their loving grandmother. How interesting it is that a seemingly small thing like making cookies can create such an impact that she would remember it years later and still feel a bond with you. Through that bond she was free to share her fears and troubles with you. You were then able to impart the Lord's wisdom to her.
I pray that this will be only the first of many visits.
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Post by everloving11 on Aug 14, 2018 13:42:05 GMT
Oh, JeepGirl, this is all so wonderful. More than could be expected and even beyond what was hoped for. Priase God that all hearts were prepared and open!!!
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Post by bettyshe on Sept 15, 2018 1:42:33 GMT
Oh Jeep🤗what a wonderful true blessing that could only have come from the Lord. There are no words to
express my happiness for you and your granddaughter/family. May God continue draw you closer to your granddaughter. It seems that she really needs you at this time in her life..who better to help than a wise grandmother that can be trusted and who trust in the Lord. Seems like you are His hands and feet.
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