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Our Story
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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.


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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Pray For Me...
As you may have read, last week's family therapy session was very difficult on me. Nelson and I can see that it is helping. We are...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 17, 20243 min read
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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
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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
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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
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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
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"In Their Hearts Humans Plan Their Course, but the Lord Establishes Their Steps" Proverbs 16:9
In my life, I have set so many goals. I am a dreamer. I am not just a dreamer, I am a doer. Some of my plans have worked out and some...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 3, 20243 min read
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When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Busy!!
Let me tell you about my day. I got up and went to Nelson's office with him, where I spent a lot of time taking notes from successful...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 2, 20244 min read
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No One Left Behind
It is September 1, 2024. Another month goes out, and a new one comes in. This September is different. As September arrives, so does...
Crystal McDaniel
Sep 1, 20243 min read
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Finding Our Footing
After several tumultuous days, our adult son, our adult daughter, Nelson, and I came together in family therapy. Our family therapist,...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 28, 20243 min read
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Terrible Twos and Threes
(Sing this to the tune of The Brady Bunch), Here's the story of The McDaniel Family, who were bringing up three awesome, gorgeous kids. ...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 27, 20244 min read
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Facing the Storm
The video above gives the scientific explanation on how storms are formed. We watch the weather and hope to prepare ourselves for the...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 25, 20243 min read
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The Greatest of These is Love
In the Bible, "Philippians 2:12-13 NIV says, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 24, 20244 min read
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Fear Not
There has been so much trauma in my life. It contributed to an overwhelming sense of anxiety, panic and fear. Thus, I have Complex PTSD....
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 22, 20243 min read
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As Time Goes By...
Casablanca. One of the most famous movies of all time. A story of unrequited love. The definition of Unrequieted Love is this: "...
Crystal McDaniel
Aug 17, 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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