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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.


Pause, Breathe, Go to the Gym, Take a Walk, Clean the Refrigerator
I was listening to the "Reconnection Club," Podcast with host, Tina Gilbertson, this morning as I was getting ready to go to Nelson's...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 16, 20244 min read
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It Is All Water Under the Bridge
Over the past few days, we have been very busy. I have gone to Nashville, Tennessee with my friend, Preston, where I worked with...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 14, 20243 min read
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Weightlifting...
The photo attached to this blog is Olympic Gold Medalist and fellow Chattanoogan, Olivia Reeves. We are very proud of her here in...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 11, 20242 min read
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Allow Perseverance to Lead
perseverance ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s NOUN continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 6, 20243 min read
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God Makes All Things New
When God created the Heavens and the Earth, it came from nothing. It was just a void. Emptiness. He spoke and each day that went by...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 4, 20243 min read
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Healing from Estrangement: Embracing What You Love
Are you a parent struggling with the pain of estrangement from your adult child? We are parents that are struggling with the pain of...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 3, 20244 min read
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5 Things You Didn't Know About Estrangement
As my husband and I navigate ourselves through the treacherous waters of estrangement with our adult child, we are learning a lot. ...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 1, 20244 min read
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Family Therapy...
Today was our family's first day of family therapy. All in all, I think it went pretty well. I'm not gonna lie. It was hard, or at...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 31, 20244 min read
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Is It Best to Heal Alone During Estrangement?
What is the first thing we tend to do when something hurts us deeply? We tend to call our family and friends and reach out for support...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 30, 20244 min read
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And There is Always Garfield and Odie...
I spent time on the phone today with my BFF, Angie. Ang for me. I have three very close friends. I am to blessed to have them. Angie,...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 27, 20243 min read
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When the Explanation Comes...
The email from my estranged adult child, with explanation, finally came. It was the kick in the gut we were expecting. The pain and...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 20, 20244 min read
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Be Still...
I got up this morning and got ready for my day. I had a doctors appointment with my new Primary Care Physician. I really like her. I...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 17, 20243 min read
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When Two Storms Collide...Is One Problem Not Enough?
This was a tough day. Nine months have gone by since my daughter had any communication with me, and then another major issue cropped up....
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 16, 20243 min read
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No News is Good News When You Have an Estranged Adult Child
Today was just like any other work day. I got up, had my coffee, did my Bible study and prayer time. I had to take our dog Lilly Rose...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 15, 20242 min read
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What the Heck? Why is the Estrangement Culture Growing?
I spoke with a good friend today. We had a conversation about being in the same boat when it comes to estrangement. Both of us have...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 14, 20244 min read
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Sing It Or Wing It
Tonight, Nelson, my friend, Preston, and I went to a karaoke place for chicken wings. No, I do not do karaoke, neither does my husband...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 14, 20243 min read
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What Does HIV/AIDS Have to Do With It?
Today was very interesting. I attended a meeting with my close friend Preston. He asked me to go to a meeting being held by the people...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 12, 20244 min read
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Back From Italy...Did Anything Change?
I am back from Italy. It was a long trip home. Four flight delays, I was awake for over 36 hours. I was glad to get home after that...
Crystal McDaniel
Jul 10, 20246 min read
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I Ask Myself, "What Do I Want?"
The biggest question I have to ask myself is, "What do I want?" Of coarse, I want my estranged daughter to speak to me again. I also...
Crystal McDaniel
Jun 24, 20243 min read
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Family Events are Awkward When Dealing with Estrangement
Our son, Jacob, is getting married soon. He and his fiance' have not set a date yet. It is rapidly getting to the time where they will....
Crystal McDaniel
Jun 18, 20244 min read
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