Popular Post Ottakee Posted December 17, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 17, 2018 December 2018 The annual XXXXXXX Family Christmas letter……one I wasn’t sure I was going to write this year. Christmas letters are where you are supposed to showcase all of the wonderful things in your past year, brag on the kids, etc. To be honest, 2018 was a very tough year for our family. In September 2017 Sandy (now Ex H mom) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Due to her kidney transplant they could not treat the cancer and she was given 6-9 months to live. January started with her health failing and in early Feb I helped her move to a care facility in town. The end of February I got a call at work telling me that I had 45 minutes to bring (now ex husband) in to the local sheriffs department as there were federal warrants for his arrest. After he was transferred to custody of the federal marshals I learned that he was being charged with 4 federal felony counts of manufacture and possession of child pornography. This, of course, devastated the kids and turned our lives upside down. In April Sandy passed away peacefully and we had a beautiful funeral service honoring her life and faith. In her journal she had written, “When people think of me, remember my smile and my love for Jesus and my family”. While missing her greatly, we try to do just that. XXXX has remained in federal custody and later in the spring state charges of child molestation were added to the case. In August our divorce was finalized. After several postponements, in September his case was heard by a jury in federal court. Sadly the evidence was overwhelming and he was convicted on all 4 federal counts. Due to those convictions the local charges were dropped. In January he will be sentenced and faces up to 70 years in federal custody. The kids and I have been through a lot of changes this past year. We sold the horses in the spring, and then over the summer more and more stuff culminating with the selling of our home in October and an auction to sell off XXXX’s tools and the rest of our belongings. In mid October we moved into a small 3 bedroom ranch in a small subdivision closer to town (and the beach 🙂 ) where the bus system can pick up the kids and help ease the burden of transportation for me. I had been working 1-3 days a week as a substitute teacher for severely multiply impaired students. I have now increased my hours and am working nearly full time along with learning to be a single parent and managing the needs (and endless paperwork) for the kids. I still enjoy walking/hiking and kayaking with friends when I can get a few moments away. 30DS is still working 2 days a week in the pizza shop. He washes dishes, cleans, takes out the trash, and jokes around with co-workers. He bought a drone and has high hopes of creating videos for you all to see. 23DD is sill in school full time. She volunteers as Dominos pizza, Chow Hound, and the local humane society. She LOVES the freedom the transit bus provides and often spends her Saturdays riding around town from store to store. 22dd is now working at Walmart and loving her new job. She can ride the Harbor Transit bus back and forth which is great. She and Alex are now engaged and planning a fall 2019 wedding. Throughout the past year, my friends have really demonstrated what the body of Christ is to look like. They all have different gifts but have ministered to me and my family in many ways.....from meals to transportation for the kids, sitting (or walking) with me while the tears flowed to giving me a much needed whap to do the next (hard) thing, from providing a place of refuge for the kids and I when we needed to get away to fixing the lights on the wave runner trailer so Louis didn’t have to lose out on yet another thing, from helping us move and do the final cleaning of the old house to providing wise counsel from experience. THANKS Still, we have hope and a future. The Lord has been with us through it all. We were blessed with a beautiful home that meets our needs. We have jobs that meet our financial needs. We have health. We have a huge support network of friends and family. We have a new year ahead of us. Because of the Lord’s Great love we are not consumed, For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness………..Lamentations 3:22-23 We covet your prayers as we move into 2019 and adjust to our new normal. If you are going through a tough time and life doesn’t seems fair, check out this book. It’s not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn’t Chose by Melanie Dale. It is a real, raw, encouraging book that is even laugh out loud funny at times. I have read it several times over the past year and each time find new encouragement and hope. 50 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 That's a heavy year... (((((((hugs)))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valley Girl Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I hope that the new year brings you and your children peace, hope, and happiness. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 wow, that's hard. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you have some good people around you and hope things get better from here. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 May this next year be a complete opposite in every way. Hugs to you. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Amazing letter. So sorry you've gone through so much. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Hugs to you, mama. That is a shocking year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Good lord... and I mean that as a prayer for you and your family. You have been through so much. I really hope that 2019 is much much better and I am so thankful that you have good people around supporting you. And you were very brave to send it out. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 What everyone else said. You are clearly a very strong and brave women. May you find Joy and Peace in the new year. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I hope 2019 is completely different, in a better way, than this year. I’m glad you were able to be in a new home to start the new year. Thanks for sharing your year with us, the good and the bad. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaplank Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I admire your strength. The light of Christ shines through your testimony and is truly a "beauty from ashes" story. I hope that this coming year brings you all good things. You deserve it! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Hugs. I hope 2019 & all the years after are so much better. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 You are an inspiration, and a blessing. Thank you for sharing, and may you feel the peace that passes all understanding. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Such a difficult year. May 2019 be so much better. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Hugs and Prayers.......your letter is wonderful. You are such an incredible woman...... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mominco Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 (((HUGS))) So sorry you have had such a rough year! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I knew it had been a year of pain and crisis. And like Patty Joanna said, you expressed it well. I am so glad you have wonderful friends who are supportive. Thank you for sharing what doubtlessly was difficult to write. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Every time I think of what has happened to your family, it makes me realize how suddenly everything can change. But I also think about how strong you have been for your children, and how quickly and decisively you reacted to your dh’s arrest, and how you took immediate action and made all the right decisions despite the incredible shock and heartbreak of it all. I think you are amazing. I really do. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I’m astonished by your strength. Thank you for sharing this with us. I pray that 2019 is a year of healing and blessing for you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I knew this was a very hard year for you but your faith shines through and it isn't a depressing letter even though so many sad and bad things happened. Thank you for sharing it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Hugs, may this coming year be filled with joy and peace for you and yours. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 17, 2018 Author Share Posted December 17, 2018 Thanks for all of the support and encouragement. It was not an easy year at all but we are moving on. I would never wish my journey on anyone else, yet I have several friends that I would not want to trade journeys with either. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom@shiloh Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Thank you for sharing your story. This is my prayer for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB2FVlaPM-o 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 ((Hugs)) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Oh Ottakee, I knew it had been a tough year for you but I had no idea how tough. I’m so sorry! You are handling it with grace and I’m glad you have good friends helping you through. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ailaena Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I think about you sometimes and I’m really glad to see that you’re staying strong and helping your kids be strong and move on. May your only stress this year be your dd’s perfect wedding 😉❤️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I am so sorry for all you've been through. You're an incredibly strong, godly woman. I will be praying for you as you continue to move forward. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheReader Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Oh, Ottakee....I hadn't realized. Prayers and hugs for you and yours, and may 2019 be a year of recovery for all of you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I am so sorry that you had such a hard year. Sending your prayers for a wonderful 2019. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junie Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 (((Ottakee))) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 I'm sorry. You've had quite a year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Wow. I admire how you just put it all out there. I get it. Those things basically define your year and your life during that year. Your hope in Christ at the end is powerful. I'm certain 2019 will be a better year for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gobblygook Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Wishing you peace and joy in 2019. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted December 17, 2018 Share Posted December 17, 2018 Thanks for sharing your story. I've read bits and pieces of it throughout the year, but it's so kind of you to share how it fits together and what it's meant to you as you are coming out the other side. God bless! I am currently reading that book--I was sure I heard about it on the Hive, but I couldn't remember who recommended it. I am guessing either you did, or you heard it about it from the same source. Thanks to whoever it was if it wasn't you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted December 18, 2018 Author Share Posted December 18, 2018 6 hours ago, kbutton said: Thanks for sharing your story. I've read bits and pieces of it throughout the year, but it's so kind of you to share how it fits together and what it's meant to you as you are coming out the other side. God bless! I am currently reading that book--I was sure I heard about it on the Hive, but I couldn't remember who recommended it. I am guessing either you did, or you heard it about it from the same source. Thanks to whoever it was if it wasn't you. I likely mentioned the book here several months ago. I have NO idea where I got my copy (possibly an adoption weekend conference???) but it was on my bookshelf right when I needed it. I hope you are enjoying it. I have purchased 5-6 copies over the past year to share with others as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted December 18, 2018 Share Posted December 18, 2018 (edited) You've been through so much this year..thankful the Lord has given you grace to keep moving forward and the support of good friends. Your courage and resilience are amazing to me, but I know they are born out of hard, hard places. I am hopeful for you that 2019 will be better all around. (((Ottakee)))). Edited December 18, 2018 by Denise in IN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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