top of page


Our Story
Get to Know Us
Nelson and Crystal McDaniel have been married for 23 years and face the challenge of being estranged from their daughter Rachel after a strained conversation that Crystal had with her in September of 2023. This event has propelled them on a spiritual journey of walking closer to God, leaning on their faith in Jesus, and using therapeutic tools to heal and grow. Despite the challenges they face, Nelson and Crystal remain committed to their family and their faith.


And There is MORE!!
It has been quite a week. Last weekend, I had a student involved with the NC National Association of Teachers of Singing Student...
Crystal McDaniel
Feb 213 min read
Â
Â
Â


My Son Got Married
Our Son got married this past Saturday morning. He and his fiance' decided very quickly that they were going to go ahead and get married....
Crystal McDaniel
Jan 203 min read
Â
Â
Â


Epiphany
Today is Epiphany. Epiphany comes at the end of the 12 days of Christmas, and celebrates the visit of The Three Wise Men, who gave gifts...
Crystal McDaniel
Jan 54 min read
Â
Â
Â


Surviving Christmas
Today is December 27, 2024, two days after Christmas. Nelson and I survived. All the plans and festivities that led up to Christmas are...
Crystal McDaniel
Dec 27, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


The Holidays Are Coming
I took a big pause in writing to give myself a break from overthinking about our entire estrangement situation. During that break, I was...
Crystal McDaniel
Nov 26, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


Where Do We Go From Here?
I honestly do not know where we go from here. I do not think Nelson knows either. I really don't think that anyone knows. Right now we...
Crystal McDaniel
Oct 28, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


It Has Been A Little While
It has been a little while since I sat down to write this blog. I took some time away. I needed a little space from the estrangement...
Crystal McDaniel
Oct 27, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


I Am Not Alone, (And Neither Are You)
I have not posted a blog in a few days. I refrained on purpose, there has been so much happening. Hurricane Helene devastated the area...
Crystal McDaniel
Oct 8, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Rainy Days and Mondays
This is the only day we have to enjoy. In the midst of this day, I have many concerns. Hurricane Helene hit, and so many people are...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 30, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Heads Up, Eyes Forward
Estrangement from my adult child causes me to look at the past a whole lot. It has taken the better part of an entire year for me to...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 26, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Block It!
I am writing from my work desk, where I assist Nelson with his job. He is a US Health Advisor, and deals with health insurance. I...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 24, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


Soon
Soon. I looked up the definition of the word soon. I decided not to include the whole definition. It means, promptly, or shortly. ...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 18, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


We Are Going Turtle Slow...But, We Are Moving in the Right Direction
Most every Sunday, Nelson, my adult son, and I go to church together. Afterwards, we either go out to eat, or we come back to our house...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 15, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Wait Patiently...
Lately I have been given a plethora of opportunities to be patient. Patience is difficult. I want solutions now. I want the...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 14, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Light in the Darkness
One day can be very different from the next day, or the day before. I never live the same day twice. One day can be very peaceful, and...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 11, 20242 min read
Â
Â
Â


Resiliency...You Have to Have It!
Oxford Dictionary Defines Resiliency as, "The Capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties." I can say with absolute...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 10, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Busy, Happy, Productive, and Positive
I started a new journey today. I have found myself having the new title of Mrs. Chattanooga America. Big Drum Roll...I will be...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 9, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Peace, Peace, and More Peace
Today has been wonderful. It was quiet and peaceful. Nelson and I were able to get some things done here at our house. I always like...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 8, 20243 min read
Â
Â
Â


Sometimes I Just Don't Get It...
Today, I had my individual therapy that is outside of our weekly family therapy. Yes, I have two different therapy appointments per week....
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 7, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â


Family Therapy: Not for the Faint of Heart
Today is Wednesday, and that makes it Family Therapy Day. Every Wednesday, at 9 a.m. the four of us, (though I pray one day it will be...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 4, 20244 min read
Â
Â
Â
bottom of page