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Sunday, June 12, 2011

Share in the BLOG about a difficult time in your life.

IE loss of a loved one, depression, divorce, job loss. Describe why you think at that point in your life how you were being prepard for another situation in the future that you may help someone get through their difficult time.

87 comments:

Anonymous said...

When I found out that my husband had been cheaing on me for 8 years of our ten year marriage, was one of the most difficlt time in my life

Anonymous said...

I was RIFFED from a great school and sent to another school. It has been three years since then. I am happy now. I recently met a new teacher that was RIFFED from the very same school and sent to my school. I can help her with her transistion.

Anonymous said...

In college, I lost my fiance in a car accident. This was the first death I'd experienced in my life. It was the most difficult thing I've ever gone through. Looking back now, 20 years later, I can see the lessons I learned in my short time with him. That relationship taught me what love was really about - and more importantly, how to keep living in spite of a life-altering circumstance. I am happily married to a wonderful man and I can say that loss taught me how to love my husband truly and completely in a way that allows for no regrets.

Anonymous said...

I was in my last year in college when my father died of cancer. Ultimately, what I gained from that experience is that I was stronger than I realize and everything I needed to succeed I already had within me.

Anonymous said...

I was 10 years old and the man across the street physically abused me and back in the 1960's children were not informed about how to tell people when something bad happened. In my mid 30's I tried to find this man and prosecute him, but he had died. I am to this day sorry I waited so long to try to prosecute him because he probably hurt other children before he died.

Anonymous said...

In 1996 I found out that I had cancer. I took treatments for 2 years. Since that time I have be able to comfort several people that have found out that they had cancer.

Anonymous said...

i was in the middle of my college education and my husband told me he wanted a divorce. amid thousands of dollars of student loans, mortgages, and after 20 years, he decided that he wanted it to end. at that time, i was so unsure of where i would go. without trying to sound cheeky, i made it through and am all the stronger for it now!

Anonymous said...

My first boyfriend decided to break up with me at a party where he also brought his new girlfriend.

Anonymous said...

My first child was born June 26, 2009, at 25 weeks gestation. He was delivered by emergency c-section and weighed 1 lb. 7 oz. He was a miracle baby! During his 5 month stay at Arkansas Children's Hospital, I created a blog using CaringBridge.org and actually published the book for Lucas to see how many hurdles he has overcome in his life... even the first year! Lucas will be TWO this month, June 26. Proud Momma

Anonymous said...

My father recently lost his battle with congestive heart failure and I am still going through the grieving process. I received a phone call from a friend, two days ago, and found out that her father is battling the same illness. I know that I will be able to help her through this, because I have been through it myself.

Anonymous said...

when I was 18 I had to choose between the wishes of my birth mother and my natural mother about attending the funeral of my natural brother who died while I was in my first year of college. I yielded to the pressure of my birth siblings.

Anonymous said...

Losing my mother was by far the most devastating thing that has happened in my life. I was not a child, but a 40 year old adult when my mother passed away. She was my best friend, and ten years later, I still long to call her and tell her about my day, and ask her about hers. I have been able to use how I coped with this loss to help other adults who have lost their parents. When you find out that someone else has lost a parent, you establish common ground, and conversation just seems to flow, and the pain of a loss seems to go easier with each conversation. If my mother had not passed away, I would not be able to give empathy to others as I am able to do now.

Anonymous said...

A difficult time in my life was when I felt like a failure at my first major in college. There was a physical that had to be passed before you could even get into the program, and I could never get past it. So no matter how nice, smart, or great of a teacher I would have been, just because I couldn't run 2 miles in so many minutes, I could not be accepted into the program. Luckily, this allowed me to change my major to Early Childhood and landed me my dream job as an elementary teacher. This job is more fufilling than anything I could ever imagine, and even though I was so down on myself before, it ended up being a major life-changing event.

Anonymous said...

I had a serious illness which lasted approx. 6 months. It was life threatening and I felt that I was a guinea pig in some of the tests and procedures that were done to me. However, I eventually got well. Two years later, my 13-year old daughter became ill and I was very proactive about her disease because I was not as afraid of the doctors and nurses as I would have been before my illness. This allowed her to have a very good recovery. My son has also had an auto-immune disease later when he was a freshman in college. This disease has lasted to the current time and we have not had a good recovery but I am able to sympathize wholeheartedly with him because I have had the procedures and surgeries that he has had to undergo.

Anonymous said...

While I was pregnant,my husband had deep personal issues. We were with a variety of marital problems like infadelity, lies, family emergenices which were secret vacations for him, ect.

Anonymous said...

I was given my "ideal job" at my school - teching Pre-AP math classes. During the summer, my principal called and told me I would be an inclusion science teacher instead due to a resignation in our school. I was taken out of the math department, lost my classroom, and became an inclusion teacher for a subject in which I have no interest. I cried for weeks, dreaded the school year, and lost my spark for teaching. Little did I know that the teachers I met, and became close with, would help me through a major crisis with my teenage daughter, and utlitmately lead me to a major life decision. These teachers remain close friends, and I am stronger because of the experience. I learned that my idea of the "ideal" job isn't what it appears to be.

Anonymous said...

A difficult time in my life was when I was eighteen years old. My father died the day after I got married. I was never close to him, but I loved him because he was my father. This time was supposed to be the happiest time of my life, but I was on my honeymoon and got the news of my father's passing. It was very difficult to deal with because I was not really sure how I felt about it. Since I was not close to him, my everyday life was not changed, and it did not really effect me much. It did effect me emotionally though. I would never be able to patch up our relationship and be close to my father because he died. I learned from this situation to never close the door on anyone. It is never too late to patch up a relationship or forgive someone. You might not have that chance later...

Anonymous said...

I wen thruoug a divorce which left me raising two small children on my own.

Anonymous said...

In 1989 my 16 year old niece was killed in a n auto and accident by a drunk driver. Having gone through all the stages of grief I can now empathize with those who a are grieving and also share this story with students.

Anonymous said...

preparing for a scheduled proposal defense and received a non-renewal because I did not tell the principal I was working on a doctorate degree. She told me that I was an excellent educator but she just could not have me in here school with such a degree and she only had a bachelors and a certification in administration.

Anonymous said...

At and early age I lost my dad and had a hard time. This has helped me relate to alot of my students who have no father figure in the house.

Anonymous said...

There was a time that I was in training at the request of my principal to train for the assistant principal position. However during my interview things went array. I told him that God is not the author of confusion and dismissed myself from the interview. I'm so glad that door was closed in my life because the door that was opened for me a year later was more than I ever could have wanted.

Anonymous said...

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago. As a school counselor I knew I would need a lot of resources to face this fight. My faith was tested tremendously but through prayers, family support, and the understanding and support of my school family I was able to endure the medical procedures. I have been in remission and cancer free so far.

Anonymous said...

During my senior year of high school, 1988, my father passed away unexpectedly. Up to that point I had lived a life that was practically untouched by loss and pain. It was an extremely tough time for me as I lost him just as I was about to launch out in to life away from home.

Years later, as a student pastor in a church, I had a student that lost his father while he was in high school. I suddenly saw some good in the bad of losing my dad. I was not only able to offer a shoulder and an ear to this student, but was able to offer my own experience with him. There was a connection that we shared to helped to strengthen him over the next couple of years as he waded through life after dad.

Anonymous said...

After 5 years of marriage, my husband decided that not only did he not want to be married anymore, and didn't love me anymore, he never really loved me at all. He only really wanted someone to help him care for his two children. And he announces this after he came home from seeing his father after his stroke.

So at 27, I already have a failed marriage. Not exactly what I had in mind.

BUT, I have had multiple opportunities to share with people my experience and that you CAN pick yourself up and go on. And if you crawl in a hole for a while (like I did), you can crawl right back out again.

Anonymous said...

Ask yourself,

"My religion is good to live by, but is it good to die by?"


Then respond to that still small voice and ask Jesus Christ to save you from the hell that we all deserve.

Anonymous said...

My father passed away unexpectedly in 2005 from a heart attack. He was 55 years old. 2 months later my wife left me and filed for a divorce. Needless to say, it was a tough time. Through all of this, however, I learned that you could deal with just about anything, it just takes time.

I used this to help many of my students deal with various levels of "tragedies," but one really sticks out in my mind. I had a football player whose parents were both in prison, get his football scholarship rescinded. He had to move back home and get a job and was really heading down the wrong path. He thought he was going through the worst thing ever.

I told him what happened to me, shared a few Biblical verses with him, and let him know that I was there for him. He straightened up, ended up getting another chance to play football, and stays in touch with me quite often.

Anonymous said...

I lost my dad to cancer and have since had 3 friends to lose their dad to cancer. It is very hard to watch a parent go from taking care of others to being helpless and sick in bed, to go from 160 lbs. to 60 lbs. This all occurred in 5 months. The entire experience was horrible. The cancer attacked every part of his body. However, I believe that his suffering made it much easier for me to accept his death. I just wish he had not had to suffer that long.

Anonymous said...

I was going through a very difficult period in my life and didn't know where I was headed. I felt as if I couldn't do anything right and didn't even want to get up each day. Then I found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy and birth of my son saved my life and gave me a reason to live.

Anonymous said...

I was in a job position that was not promoting my skills well and decided to quit and finish my degree. It was very difficult financially and emotionally. Through the struggle that I had, I was determined to finish my degree and get a job in the my field. I finished that year and got a job and 2 years later, I am working on my MEd. I hope to be finished in the Spring. This helped me to rekindle the drive and passion that I had in the beginning of my college career.

Anonymous said...

When my parents divorced, I didn't know what I was going to do. But, looking back, I see that it helps me relate to my students who come from fractured families.

Anonymous said...

the most challenging time in my life was dealing wih the financial issues after a divorce. I quickly learned that I could make the financial adjustments with planning, research, and great advisers.

Anonymous said...

when my mother past. not in a position to make decisions. had no help. my brother was in worse shape then i was. My wife stepped in and made some difficult decisions that even went against former family traditions which brought my mothera higher honor. she knew no one or nothing acbou my home town.

Anonymous said...

I left my husband in 2008. My daughter was 8 years old. Although my husband and I reconciled, it was the most terrible experience I have lived through and learned from.

Anonymous said...

My sister struggled with drug addiction as a teenager. She was addicted to multiple drugs and involved with criminal activity. She had overdoses, and dropped out of high school, but eventually she came around after 3 stints in rehab. She has been sober for 5 years and is married with 2 beautiful children and almost done with college. My family had no experience with addiction prior to my sister's trouble, but now I guess you could call us experts on the subject. I have been able to speak the correct language to my students and help a dear friend overcome her addictions because of the trial. The main thing one has to remember when there is an addict in the family is to NEVER enable that person to continue doing drugs, and that means tough love to the extreme. But you also never judge the person who is addicted. I thought my sister would never get sober, and I thought my family would never stop being in pain because of it, but there is hope for people in these situations, because my family is living proof.

Anonymous said...

My job was cut and I was placed in a grade level that I never thought I would teach. That ended up being one of the best years of my career. I was challenged to learn new material and to stretch myself professionally. It built my coonfidence and I have used this to encourage others who have faced unexpected change in their career.

Anonymous said...

When I was in 6th grade, I lost my grandpa to heart failure. During this time, I did not know how to deal with my feelings, but I finally realized that God needed him worse than I did. The next school year, my best friend lost her grandpa. I was able to show her that God has a reason for everything and that God needed her grandpa worse than her family did. I still think about that time in my life and although I still feel that ache from my loss, but I feel that I am stronger for it.

Anonymous said...

My father was diagnosed with cancer in April and died in November in 2007. I found myself in the role of parent to my parents. We cared for him by tube feeding him, bathing and clothing him. He died in a hospital emergency room surrounded by family and friends. It was an humbling experience.

Anonymous said...

Miracle Baby, Lucas Sumter... sample blog from CaringBridge:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lucasneilsumter

Anonymous said...

Between age 18 and 20, I had a child born with special needs and a child still-born. This was my first exposure to adversity. Everything in life, up to this point, came very easily for me. It was hard to understand why this was happening to me. Was I cursed? Was God punishing me for my pride, sin, etc.? It took me several years to come to terms with these events. But, through them, I discovered a personal relationship with God, significantly improved my marriage, and have comforted several other young families facing these similiar situations.

Anonymous said...

In dealing with the loss of my mother, who was indeed my best friend, I have been able to help others in coping with their losses. After my mother's death, I attended a workshop on coping with the death of a loved one, and that really helped me get through this time. I have been able to help others in their loss and the confusing times that follow the death of a loved one.

Anonymous said...

After floundering around in isolation and depression for two years, I decided to get up and move towards getting a job. A recent divorce had sent me reeling into mental and financial oblivion. The result was a teaching certificate that landed me a job in Adult Education where I have found a niche. Although difficult at times, I am continually challenged to explore new frontiers of knowledge, like learning to teach algebra and science, two subjects that were definitely not on my list of interests way back in graduate school for a degree in English. I have discovered hidden gifts and new interests I never knew existed within me.

Anonymous said...

In May of 2007 I was diagnosed with cancer. After undergoing treatments, I returned to my job as a counselor. When counseling students who have a loved one that has been diagnosed, I have used myself as an example to show that having cancer does not always mean death.

Anonymous said...

My first husband had an affair and we divorced about 18 months later. I didn't realize how terrible the marriage was until I was out of it. During the crazy, difficult 7 years, I avoided being home by completing my masters and specialist degrees. I had decided I was fine no having children of my own b/c I had all the kids I taught and was their principal. Now I have the BEST husband, two small children, and have paused my career to raise the kids. Even though my first marriage and consequent divorce was horrible, I achieved more than I would have in a happy relationship and now relish small things in life, especially my family.

Anonymous said...

In 2007 I lost my mother and stepfather in an accident. At the time I had taken a break from teaching and was working in a different field. When I returned to teaching, there was a young lady who had a mother who was battling cancer. When she lost her mother, it gave me the opportunity to truly understand what she was going through. It has been a year now since she lost her mother and we still find that we can relate on this issue. It gave us a connection that I believe has helped her through this tough time in her life.

Anonymous said...

I was 43 years old and suddenly called into the ministry of Intercession for family members and then the church and finally my school. I gave up a lucrative job, our home and my auto. It took 20 years to come into the full understanding of this call. I am confident that I made the right choice my only regret is that I did know what wisdom was necessary to succeed.

My good thing is that they are all thriving and flourishing and we are becoming a family that knows how to succeed because whether we are learning a new field or just relaxing we always have the available answer to every problem. Defeat is no longer acceptable.

Anonymous said...

Moving to a new country, getting pregnant for the first time, culture shock, new language, new teaching job, and more, all within three months.

Anonymous said...

I had spent two years working in a great city, with great co-workers, friends, and for half of that time a wonderful woman. I then had to make a very difficult decision concerning my future. I decided to leave the job, the city, and the people to advance my education. It was really the most selfish decision I'ld ever made. The difficulty arose when I told my partner that I was leaving her and did not know when or if I would ever return. The pain and sorrow she expressed to me crushed me. I did not know I was capable causing such agony. Almost three years after this, close friends of mine split up, and my experience helped me in helping them deal with their own personal difficulties.

Anonymous said...

A difficult time im my life was helping my daughter finish undergraduate school. This was a ten year journey when it should have been 5-6 years. In my mind, she should have completed each year with success. In her mind, if things did not work out, she would drop or post pone classes. This was costly to me in time and money. I just wanted it to be over. She finally earned that degree in December 2011.

Anonymous said...

A former student who had a bright future, in spite of a learning disability, was needlessly murdered in a dispute over a girlfriend. He had attainable goals in life and knew he had to work hard to achieve them. He was a happy kid and a handsome kid who had a lot of friends. He leaves a son who is now in High School, who is following in his dad's footsteps, even though he doesn't know him.

Anonymous said...

My dad moved tp the town where I lived because he was unable to live independently anymore. He had dementia but for the most part was easy to get along with. We were able to have him live in his own condo and hire people to come in and stay with him during the day. I was unprepared for the mental burden that the move placed on me. I did not have the responsibility of daily care so I was not ready for the feeling of responsibility- not knowing if he would be dead when I walked in the door to check on him, the worry about his finances, the dealing with the hiring of people to stay, etc. He passed away from a heart attack after living for two years. I would not change any of the time we had together, even though it was sometimes full of worry. He remained a "true Southern gentleman" until he died. One thing that I learned and can pass on is that having long term care insurance is a must. I went out and bought myself my own policy. The sooner you buy it the cheaper it is; don't wait until you are approaching the age you will need it. Make sure you get coverage that includes the ability to have care in your home, so you are not necessarily tied into an assisted living or nursing home until those options are really necessary.

Anonymous said...

A very difficult time in my life was going through a divorce. I thought divorce only happened to people who were hard to get along with. I was not like that. I could usually get along with anyone. Anyway, I learned to not judge someone that was going through a divorce. It can happen because of a number of reasons. I've also used this time to comfort women during their difficult time. I just give them a listening ear and assure them that it's not their fault (if I feel it wasn't).

Anonymous said...

Preparing for and being assessed for the Praxis III observation was a huge challenge for me. I discovered that confidence and courage were huge factors in getting through all that was required to pass the assessment. I draw on this experience with students in my classroom who I see lack confidence and courage.

Anonymous said...

Update on person moving to another country:
I can now help others adjust to new situations. I have great opportunities to share and help people work through the tough and changing times and circumstances.

Anonymous said...

I was going through a tough time with my husband, we were fighting and not talking, he walked into the bedroom where I was watching tv and told me he wanted a divorce. I told him I wanted to work things out. We started counseling. We went to counseling for 1 year, about 6 months into counseling I found out he was having an affair and had been for over a year. He was still seeing her. The counselor told him that he was wrong and he should stop, that an emotional tie to another person was just as bad as a sexual affair. He left and then 2 weeks later wanted to come back. I let him. He stayed for 6 months, then I found out he was still seeing her. We were still in counseling at the time. He would not give her up. He left, he wanted the divorce but would not sign the papers, by the way, he is a lawyer. He moved out in March, he finally signed the papers in July From all of this I found out I am a strong person. I have help several friends through divorce both personally and if other friends that were going through a divorce. I have remarried. He is my soul mate, he also went through a very painful divorce. After my divorce I continued counseling with the counselor. In private counseling he told me more about why he tought my first husband was wrong for me. I talked to my counselor before I remarried, he told me that he agreed with me getting married, that I was ready and that he thought we would be great for each other. We have been married for 4 years. Life is great, I am happy, I am transformed, I had lost my faith, I have it back.

Anonymous said...

In one year I lost my mother, husband of 36 years, and my mother-in-law....only a few years prior, my father passed away. Dealing with so much loss and accompanying change was the most difficult time of my life. However, having gone through that it allowed me to move in a totally different direction career-wise without fear. Having gone through the fire...I grew to not fear lesser "heat." The experiences made me realize a strength I never knew I had. I actually gave me courage to launch into the unknown. It changed my life and opened so many new and exciting doors. Joy came in the morning.

Anonymous said...

My second child was diagnosed with autism 4 months before my husband died in 1988. Raising him alone was extremely difficult. As I look back twenty-three years later it is some of the most difficult times we had that I remember most fondly. I have a bond with my sons that brings me a happiness that I could never have imagined back then.

Anonymous said...

Always one to never get in trouble or do anything wrong, always "walking the straight path", I did something wrong. I destroyed my marriage of 13 years by having an affair. I went through losing my friends, my family, and feeling like a total failure. Of course now I can see some of the good that has come by going through this process. I am human, I am not perfect. It is so important to not judge other people because you really don't know what goes on behind closed doors or what they have been through. I have found new friends and have been able to offer a comforting shoulder to others who are going through what I went through. My experience has made me a more forgiving person for I have found that forgiveness is the most important gift that you can give a person. Our past can be full of "I should have done this...." but it is important to forgive yourself and focus on what you can do to live for today.

Anonymous said...

Being the oldest of four children I have been looked upon lead the family, especially during difficult times in our lives. In retrospect it is interesting how I can look back on events and see how living through something particularly painful strengthens us and makes us better able to step up to the plate the next time. This has never been more evident than when my father died suddenly and everyone looked to me to get them through the event. By the grace of God I was prepared to take on this task. I now understand how the tough times and learning to pick ourself up when dealing with failure can strengthen us if we are open to allowing the growth to happen.

Anonymous said...

Life can throw you some wild curve balls. When I was 20, my left knee suddenly swelled up so much that I could not bend my leg. I could not walk without leaning on my mother, and each step resulted in tears rolling down my face.

After much speculation as to what could have suddenly caused a relatively healthy young person to become disabled so quickly, my doctor referred me to a rheumatologist in another town. After extensive blood tests, the rheumatologist diagnosed me with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had a hard time understanding it. I had not even graduated from college yet, and I had been diagnosed with something I thought was an old person's disease. Ten years later, the diagnosis was changed to Psoriatic Arthritis. This happened because the disease finally presented with the classic symptoms of "sausage fingers and toes". For the most part, it is kept under control with medication. However, it still flares from time to time.

My experiences have given me additional understanding and patience when I am working with those who have disabilities. Some of my friends have immune disorders too. Sometimes they just need someone to listen when things are not going well. I can provide a shoulder to lean on, because I too have had days when I could not walk or hold the toothbrush in the morning. I also work to educate those who think of arthritis as something that only affects the elderly, because it simply isn't the case.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I had always wanted to have children. We tried for several years which were unsuccessful. After 8 years of trying, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer and had to have a hysterectomy. I was absolutely our own. The whole time God was giving me a peace. I felt he was telling me, "Hang on....give it time. I have a plan." Low and behold, five months after my hysterectomy, my stepmother called and asked if we would be willing to take my stepbrother's two youngest children (ages 2 and 3). To make a long story short, six months later, they were legally adopted by my husband and I.

Anonymous said...

Loss of Father at an early age, prepped me for the loss of husband at a crucial time in my life and most especially the life of my children.

Anonymous said...

This Spring I lost my home to the storms. I am learning how to take what I have and make the best of it.

Anonymous said...

Ilost my home to the storms this Spring. I am learning to do the best I can with what I have.

Anonymous said...

When my grandfather died at the age of 51, my grandmother had a very tough time financially. This actually brought tension in our relationship for they had been my guardians since my birth. However, looking back this experience has made me a better financial manager and better at understanding how stressful life situations impact relationships. Although relatives love you, sometimes the current situations may be so overwhelming that they can't say it in words. We must remember to closely look at their actions.

Anonymous said...

I lost my best friend to cancer two years ago. Her battle with cancer was long and heartbreaking. Little did I know that sharing in her suffering and deteriation would help me deal with my own life changing events. I recently found out in February that my now ex-husband was having an affair. Although my marriage was failing, I was so thankful that I had my health and that my children were healthy. Because my best friend had shown such courage during her battle, I was inspired to find my own courage to make the best possible decisions for both me and my children. Being angry and bitter about the unchangable does not make things more bearable. Use your sufferings to make you stronger and open your eyes to the true blessings that do surround your life.

Anonymous said...

I became pregnant at the age of 17 still in high school. I married and young man that didn't have a lot of experience with life as well as I. I dealt with him in his drinking and sleeping around. Later I became pregnant with my second child. Still dealing with the same situation. We divorced after been married for 7 years. I remarried to a wonderful man but we came across the drug world. We tried all the drugs immaginable. Later a horrible situation came across where my husband almost lost his job, I almost lost my kids and my husband. My husband became sober before I did. I didn't become sober for a while and hid a lot from everyone. Eventually I moved to Arkansas to have a better life for myself and my family. If I didn't go through this time in my life I wouldn't be where I am now. I teach some kids about hard times in the abuse and drug situations. I now serve at a church and minister to women at the jail as well. It has been a blessing in my life to help others that come in my path in life.

Anonymous said...

My wife and I had raised our two grandsons for five years with no parental contact when their mother convinced them that they should move out of state to live with her. We were crushed but our prior efforts and time took care of the issue because they were back with us within a year.

Anonymous said...

I lost my mother, mother in law, 2 uncles, grandmother, first cousin, coworker, and a friend in about a 10year period of my life. From these tragedies, i have learned to not take for granted the time that God has given my with my children. I spend every day living my life to the fullest. I have learned to truly appreciate the personalities of each child I have as well as each student I have. I try to let others know that although we face adversity, we still need to persevere and make the most of our lives and truly appreciate the people God has put in our lives.

Anonymous said...

My father felt like I needed him after I found him after the age of 21. I had to stop communicating with him, to prove to him that I wasn't so needy. I stopped communicating with him for 10 years. He acted like he forgot my phone number. I got back in touch with him over the past holiday season. We were glad to speak again. He has more respectful of my independence now that i am older.

Anonymous said...

As a child, (10 or 11) I used to play with another child on my block. I am female and he (C.) was male. He was also a few years older than me. I would play with C. several times a week... we would play basketball and other childhood games. One day, a friend of his came to his house. (I did not know C.'s friend.) That day, I was nearly raped by this friend of a friend. And my friend, C., didn't come to help me. (I don't know to this day if my friend even knew.) I never told either of my parents, and made sure I didn't put myself in this predicament again. As an adult now, I can use this experience to give warnings to children concerning how well you REALLY know your friends.

Anonymous said...

1. When I was 16, I lost my mom. It was the hardest thing that I ever had to go through. It was a very painful journey, but through it I learn to become more independent and more strong than I've ever been. I was able to learn to and help people through loss expecially now with my students in my counseling career.

2. Through my moving to the south from new York, I entered into a church and had some major experiences. Since my move, I have the most awesome feeling and a more personal relationship with God than I ever had.

Anonymous said...

my name is Barbara the hardest time I had is when I lost my husband through cancer.

Anonymous said...

I had difficult time when my first child died after living for only two weeks.

Anonymous said...

our daughter was in ICU for ten days when she was born. I discharged home to Pine Bluff. She remained in the hospital in Little Rock. My husband did not speak English or drive at the time and we had no health insurance.

Anonymous said...

My dad passed away during my senior year of high school.

Anonymous said...

I had a very difficult time when my husband suddenly became blind. He told me on Sunday that he could not see. It was Monday before we could get him to the hospital and find out that he had a brain tumor. They were able to operate and he is doing well.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I adopted a child and after the second day of having the newborn child, we had to return the child back to his natural mother because she had ten days in Arkansas to change her mind. I knew that God was in control and one month later after a visit to a fertility specialist, I was pregnant! I now am a proud mother of three!

Anonymous said...

today is july 14, 2011

Anonymous said...

My husband lrft me with three children to raise on my own. But with God's help, we are doing great!

PG said...

After my husband left me after almost 30 years of marriage, I thought my life was over. However, after 3 years single I can now see how this has been a blessing and has helped me to become the person that God truly wanted me to be.

Anonymous said...

when i was a few hours younger i tried to overcome my lack of information and figure out how to use twitter/facebook/all the other websites!

Anonymous said...

Trish is posting to show you where to post....

Anonymous said...

My father dying when I wasa 15 prepared me for the sudden death of my husband in Feb. of this year.

Anonymous said...

My husband getting addicted to drugs while I was pregnant with my youngest child.

Anonymous said...

I went through a difficult time in my life when I lost my job, went through a bitter divorce and I lost my father. I have learned to allow others to help me and I was able to help my new husband through a difficult time in his life.

Anonymous said...

I was 27 when my husband was killed one morning on his way to work. I had two small children and did not know which way to turn. I had made my life with him my whole life. I married again when I was 33. He died 5 years later with cancer. I knew how to handle it.

Some people look at my life as if it has been tragic. I try to remember all of the good times I have had.