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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.


🌗 Estrangement Has Two Sides: Holding Space for the Unseen Story
This book is excellent, and gives a different perspective from someone who was parentally estranged. This is the front cover of the book...
Crystal McDaniel
Jun 35 min read


💔 Why I Decided to Speak Out About Estrangement
I Speak out about estrangement, join me in the support community Yesterday, we went to dog training class with Big and Jace .Big was a...
Crystal McDaniel
Jun 13 min read


✨ Parental Estrangement Through a Faith Lens: Why I Started the Strangely Estranged Blog to Heal After Losing Connection With Our Adult Daughter
Estrangement...Feels like the sun is setting on your heart, and will never rise again. I never imagined I’d be writing about estrangement...
Crystal McDaniel
May 255 min read


Estrangement & the Question We’re Afraid to Ask: Is It OK Not to Like My Estranged Daughter?
This is image is the perfect description of what I go through during this estrangement. By Crystal McDaniel | Strangely Estranged ...
Crystal McDaniel
May 224 min read


🛣️ Estrangement: The Two-Way Street Where Someone Always Thinks They Have the Right of Way
Estrangement...My Car is moving forward into an unknown area. 🚗 When You’re the Mom in the Passenger Seat of Estrangement I never...
Crystal McDaniel
May 193 min read


Surviving Estrangement, Seizures, and Starting a Dog Fashion Empire (in Jeans That Fit and a Sunflower Shirt)
Estrangement will never stop a really cute T-Shirt with a Sunflower Let’s be honest: estrangement isn’t just a word—it’s a season.A...
Crystal McDaniel
May 163 min read


Estrangement From My Daughter, Still Fighting: How I Keep Going When No One Seems to Notice
Here I am, in the background at the Mrs. Tennessee America 2025. The Winner is in the front. There I am not being noticed. I am still...
Crystal McDaniel
May 144 min read


Navigating Estrangement, Invisible Disabilities, and Service Dog Discrimination — With Humor and a Whole Lot of Dogs
Crystal's Left Broken Leg. The sock was because it was December, and my toes stayed cold! Estrangement with your adult child changes you...
Crystal McDaniel
May 93 min read


Estranged… But Still Petting Dogs: The ADA Paws Pass Chronicles"From Panic to Purpose at the Mrs. Tennessee America Pageant
The Front of the T-Shirts for ADA Paws Pass by Crystal You know those moments where everything’s going great, and then, out of nowhere,...
Crystal McDaniel
May 55 min read


Crowned Moments, Canines, and the Curious Case of the Traffic Ticket: Life, Estrangement, and a Pageant Weekend to Remember
Me Backstage at the Mrs. Tennessee America Pageant. I will not let estrangement stop me from being my best self! Well, folks… I did it!...
Crystal McDaniel
May 24 min read


Rising Through Estrangement: Competing With a Broken Heart
Estrangement and Rising Anyway I’m preparing to compete for the title of Mrs. Tennessee America this Saturday , and while the crown...
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 233 min read


Is Estrangement the New Freedom for Adult Children? (Or is it the New Exile and Form of Grief for the Parents)?
Causes of Estrangement There is a, " New Silent Epidemic ," going on in our culture today. It is called Estrangement . In our case, it...
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 176 min read


"These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things"...(During Estrangement With Our Adult Daughter)
Big and Me Estrangement with our adult daughter is draining. Nelson and I have to do a lot to refill our mental, emotional, and physical...
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 147 min read


I Choose Jesus...And I Choose Me! (Even During an Estrangement)
Crystal McDaniel, Mrs. Chattanooga America (photo credit: Holte Avery I have written before that I am competing for the title of Mrs....
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 83 min read


Stop, Drop, and Grow: Holy Ground in the Middle of Heartache and Estrangment
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Stop, Drop, and Grow: Holy Ground in the...
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 55 min read


Letting Go and Finding Peace And Forgiveness During Estrangement
Parenting comes with many unexpected challenges, but nothing quite prepares you for the pain of estrangement from your own child....
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 23 min read


Coping with Estrangement: Healing from Unrecognized Grief
I never imagined I would find myself here—mourning the living. Estrangement is a grief unlike any other, a silent ache that the world...
Crystal McDaniel
Apr 13 min read


Understanding Adult Child Estrangement: Seeing Their Perspective Through Research And Insight.
Learn why it happens and how to navigate it with empathy.
Crystal McDaniel
Mar 312 min read


I Received Some Good News...(From A Friend)
Over the weekend, I received some good news from a very close friend. He and his wife were also going through an estrangement with their...
Crystal McDaniel
Mar 304 min read


Today Is A Special Day
30 years ago, today, I gave birth to my twin daughters. All of my pregnancies were very difficult. My first child, my son, died. He...
Crystal McDaniel
Mar 263 min read
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