Comments on: What’s the End to the Alicia Story? http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:07:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Jessamy http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-14609 Jessamy Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:50:46 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-14609 I just watch the show for the first time last night. I have never cried so hard while watching a TV show. My son has left my home because he feels as though we, his step-father and I, are abusive. We make him accountable for his action and then if he doesn't do what needs to be done, there are consequences, such as grounding and taking items away. He is very strong-willed and thinks that he is old enough to make his own decisions. I have cried every day since he left; it has been several months now. Chris made a comment on the show that was very profound; "Wendy and I ....pour all of our energy into a child ...." I do not have Tivo so I can't replay it. Does anyone remember what exactly he said? Because I feel like I am pouring all of my heart and soul into my oldest son and there is nothing left of me for my other children. I have felt so alone these last months thinking there was no one else out there that could be going through what I have been going through. But now I know that it is very common. Chris and Wendy thank you very much for sharing a very painful, personal issue with all of us. It was very unselfish of you to put your hearts out there for all to see. Please know that, in just one remark, you have helped at least one person out here with the same type of issue. Thank you. I just watch the show for the first time last night. I have never cried so hard while watching a TV show. My son has left my home because he feels as though we, his step-father and I, are abusive. We make him accountable for his action and then if he doesn’t do what needs to be done, there are consequences, such as grounding and taking items away. He is very strong-willed and thinks that he is old enough to make his own decisions. I have cried every day since he left; it has been several months now. Chris made a comment on the show that was very profound; “Wendy and I ….pour all of our energy into a child ….” I do not have Tivo so I can’t replay it. Does anyone remember what exactly he said? Because I feel like I am pouring all of my heart and soul into my oldest son and there is nothing left of me for my other children. I have felt so alone these last months thinking there was no one else out there that could be going through what I have been going through. But now I know that it is very common. Chris and Wendy thank you very much for sharing a very painful, personal issue with all of us. It was very unselfish of you to put your hearts out there for all to see. Please know that, in just one remark, you have helped at least one person out here with the same type of issue. Thank you.

]]> By: Susan http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-14540 Susan Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:37:19 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-14540 I just watched your show on TLC and I'm very glad to see that you have reconciled with your oldest daughter. I was surprised to see on the show that you seemed so unwilling to take her back into your family, especially when you Wendy, said that you did not come from a loving home. My father always taught us that no matter what we may do wrong, he will always be there for us and forgive us (hmmm, much like Jesus). We never did get in trouble and I think it was because we did not want to disappoint him and also because by being so forgiving, we felt how great his love was for us. I do realize that kids can be a handful and make wrong choices, but that's when they really really need their parents there for support, not just discipline. Once again, I'm glad you've reconciled, and thank you for sharing your life with us. I just watched your show on TLC and I’m very glad to see that you have reconciled with your oldest daughter. I was surprised to see on the show that you seemed so unwilling to take her back into your family, especially when you Wendy, said that you did not come from a loving home. My father always taught us that no matter what we may do wrong, he will always be there for us and forgive us (hmmm, much like Jesus). We never did get in trouble and I think it was because we did not want to disappoint him and also because by being so forgiving, we felt how great his love was for us. I do realize that kids can be a handful and make wrong choices, but that’s when they really really need their parents there for support, not just discipline. Once again, I’m glad you’ve reconciled, and thank you for sharing your life with us.

]]> By: Jill http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-12812 Jill Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:34:44 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-12812 We are going thru the same thing with our oldest son. We adopted him thru foster care and his past abuse issues are still a major force in his life. We pray that the day will come when we can have a better relationship with him once again. Your family is such a blessing and we look forward to updated shows in the future. We are going thru the same thing with our oldest son. We adopted him thru foster care and his past abuse issues are still a major force in his life. We pray that the day will come when we can have a better relationship with him once again. Your family is such a blessing and we look forward to updated shows in the future.

]]> By: Marie http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-9276 Marie Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:44:15 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-9276 We were away camping at the beginning of the week so while I was gone your show was tivo'd I had seen it before but enjoyed watching it again. I grew up with a brother who also made choices that were not right. He was 5 yrs older than me and 12 yrs older than my youngest sister. My parents caught him sneaking out in the middle of the night, hanging with friends that pulled him down. Caught drinking and I am sure worse. My parents did what you did and told him to either make changes or he'd be leaving our home. He left...continued going down the wrong path...robbed a store ended up in jail. Never came around - You do what you have to do. It was hard on us kids we loved him and really didn't understand what was going on and I remember being angry (12 yrs) with my parents for making him leave. Were your kids angry with you? Certainly if I knew then what I know now I'd understand but at 12 you just don't get it. Anyway I know that was hard for you. I am glad the relationship was restored and you are not missing out on time with your grandchild. God is good All THE TIME! We were away camping at the beginning of the week so while I was gone your show was tivo’d I had seen it before but enjoyed watching it again. I grew up with a brother who also made choices that were not right. He was 5 yrs older than me and 12 yrs older than my youngest sister. My parents caught him sneaking out in the middle of the night, hanging with friends that pulled him down. Caught drinking and I am sure worse. My parents did what you did and told him to either make changes or he’d be leaving our home. He left…continued going down the wrong path…robbed a store ended up in jail. Never came around - You do what you have to do. It was hard on us kids we loved him and really didn’t understand what was going on and I remember being angry (12 yrs) with my parents for making him leave. Were your kids angry with you? Certainly if I knew then what I know now I’d understand but at 12 you just don’t get it. Anyway I know that was hard for you. I am glad the relationship was restored and you are not missing out on time with your grandchild.
God is good All THE TIME!

]]> By: Carolyn Syvers http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-9205 Carolyn Syvers Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:18:35 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-9205 First of all, kudos to you for your positive, calm disposition and doing a great job raising a large family. I noticed that your family is MOSTLY blonde with blue eyes and that your grandson is biracial. My husband and I are white, but we have an adopted son age three who is bi-racial (Caucasian/African-American.) A lot of our family members had trouble totally accepting him. He is a child, and race does not matter to us....or him. Do you think that Alicia getting pregnant by a man outside of her race was a large part of the barrier that caused not seeing each other and your grandbaby for two years? The reason I ask this is it is referred to as "her sin" yet her mother got pregnant 2x as a teen and out of wedlock. I am not judging..I think your family is great and a lot can be learned from you two, but I was wondering if the child's race is what kept you from seeing him until he was two. It made me sad to see him meeting his granny for the first time at a restaurant and really not knowing who she was. I am glad you are all back together! God bless you, and I look forward to your book. I had no idea about it until coming to this site. First of all, kudos to you for your positive, calm disposition and doing a great job raising a large family. I noticed that your family is MOSTLY blonde with blue eyes and that your grandson is biracial. My husband and I are white, but we have an adopted son age three who is bi-racial (Caucasian/African-American.) A lot of our family members had trouble totally accepting him. He is a child, and race does not matter to us….or him. Do you think that Alicia getting pregnant by a man outside of her race was a large part of the barrier that caused not seeing each other and your grandbaby for two years? The reason I ask this is it is referred to as “her sin” yet her mother got pregnant 2x as a teen and out of wedlock. I am not judging..I think your family is great and a lot can be learned from you two, but I was wondering if the child’s race is what kept you from seeing him until he was two. It made me sad to see him meeting his granny for the first time at a restaurant and really not knowing who she was. I am glad you are all back together! God bless you, and I look forward to your book. I had no idea about it until coming to this site.

]]> By: Linds http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-6180 Linds Sat, 02 Feb 2008 06:24:07 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-6180 It struck me when I watched your special that you said approximately, "It's so nice to know that whatever we need, our friends are always there for us" I think that's a very telling statement. I also think you owe your daughter much gratitude for her forgiveness. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that you are truly able to move past this and move forward with a relationship with your daughter and grandchild. It struck me when I watched your special that you said approximately, “It’s so nice to know that whatever we need, our friends are always there for us” I think that’s a very telling statement. I also think you owe your daughter much gratitude for her forgiveness. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that you are truly able to move past this and move forward with a relationship with your daughter and grandchild.

]]> By: Laura Olson http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-4484 Laura Olson Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:46:13 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-4484 Ok, out family has just started to watch Kids by the dozen, when I saw the 1st episode ( waiting to see the second) we and our church were walking through what you have walked through with Alicia. Is'nt God amazing. We had a member in our church who was in rebellion. because of the hurt it was so easy to just close it off, but that is not what God did for us. (while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us) He started to seek out relationship again and God moved and the fatted calf was killed :) Love does cover a multitude of sins :) Laura Ok, out family has just started to watch Kids by the dozen, when I saw the 1st episode ( waiting to see the second) we and our church were walking through what you have walked through with Alicia. Is’nt God amazing. We had a member in our church who was in rebellion. because of the hurt it was so easy to just close it off, but that is not what God did for us. (while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us)

He started to seek out relationship again and God moved and the fatted calf was killed :) Love does cover a multitude of sins :)

Laura

]]> By: Lesley Frank http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-3950 Lesley Frank Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:20:15 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-3950 I saw your show on the birthday bash for the first time last night. At the very end I caught that your daughter was estranged from your family. I was encouraged reading this today. See our 19 yr old son left our home in June this year. What was hard for us was that up until he graduated from high school there were no signs of rebellion in his heart. He appeared to have a strong walk with the Lord. We were so proud of him. Now to put it honestly we are heart broken. Our son is running w/ people who don't know the Lord, drink, do drugs and fight. I have read and re-read the prodigal son story in the bible over and over in this process. We love our son and we want him back with us. It has only been 2 months for us and it still seems so painful and hopeless, how do you survive this. How do you survive the harsh judgement of parents around you? I know we are good parents to all our childrens. We have taught them to love and serve the Lord with all their hearts. Someitmes we just cry and wonder why? Would you please pray for our son. We will be praying for your family too. I love the show and will be getting your book. I am a mother of 5 and was in awe of Wendy. Seeking HIM. Thanks Lesley F. I saw your show on the birthday bash for the first time last night. At the very end I caught that your daughter was estranged from your family. I was encouraged reading this today. See our 19 yr old son left our home in June this year. What was hard for us was that up until he graduated from high school there were no signs of rebellion in his heart. He appeared to have a strong walk with the Lord. We were so proud of him. Now to put it honestly we are heart broken. Our son is running w/ people who don’t know the Lord, drink, do drugs and fight. I have read and re-read the prodigal son story in the bible over and over in this process. We love our son and we want him back with us. It has only been 2 months for us and it still seems so painful and hopeless, how do you survive this. How do you survive the harsh judgement of parents around you? I know we are good parents to all our childrens. We have taught them to love and serve the Lord with all their hearts. Someitmes we just cry and wonder why? Would you please pray for our son. We will be praying for your family too. I love the show and will be getting your book. I am a mother of 5 and was in awe of Wendy.
Seeking HIM.
Thanks
Lesley F.

]]> By: Shurleen http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-3758 Shurleen Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:45:59 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-3758 Thank you very much for this post. I have been mothering for 27 years and homeschooling the last 10 years. One of the most distressing thing for me as a homeschooling mom was the harsh judgementalism of many of the homeschooling families we met. It seems to be a disease, and I was afraid of catching it. Or worse, my children catching it. And yet, I often felt judgemental as I tried to isolate my children and myself from such families. I was just thinking about this a couple days ago (again) and was feeling so sad, wondering what in the world the Father was going to do to bring down this prideful cancer that seems to be spreading in the large family/homeschooling community. And then I read this. I am going to get your book, and I hope that many many homeschooling families buy your book. I'm hoping this is the answer to my prayers. So many beautiful families have been marred by this pride, so many children and neighbors and friends hurt by this pride. I hope your book, your story, is the beginning of the end for the many families oppressed by Pharisee-ism. Thank you again, Shurleen Souza aka OreoSouza Thank you very much for this post.

I have been mothering for 27 years and homeschooling the last 10 years. One of the most distressing thing for me as a homeschooling mom was the harsh judgementalism of many of the homeschooling families we met. It seems to be a disease, and I was afraid of catching it. Or worse, my children catching it. And yet, I often felt judgemental as I tried to isolate my children and myself from such families.

I was just thinking about this a couple days ago (again) and was feeling so sad, wondering what in the world the Father was going to do to bring down this prideful cancer that seems to be spreading in the large family/homeschooling community.

And then I read this. I am going to get your book, and I hope that many many homeschooling families buy your book. I’m hoping this is the answer to my prayers. So many beautiful families have been marred by this pride, so many children and neighbors and friends hurt by this pride.

I hope your book, your story, is the beginning of the end for the many families oppressed by Pharisee-ism.

Thank you again,
Shurleen Souza
aka OreoSouza

]]> By: Shaundra Holmes http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/29/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-1455 Shaundra Holmes Tue, 22 May 2007 00:51:06 +0000 http://jeubfamily.com/2007/01/31/whats-the-end-to-the-alicia-story/#comment-1455 Chris and Wendy, Our family just watched your show last night for the first time. We were intrigued that a tv show would showcase your wonderful family and not put a negative spin on it somehow. When they talked about your story with Alicia, I too was wondering how the story ends. I am a re-born christian, brought up in a christian home, yet I too had a short period of rebellion as a young adult. I came back to the Lord and have been living my life for Him as well as raising my children to love and serve Him. I am going through the Bible Study Fellowship study on Romans and this year I have finally been able to understand who I am before God and what grace really is. We have a son that just finished his freshman year in college and we pray that he will continue to serve God. Yet a couple of months ago, he admitted to us that he had been doing something that is not pleasing to the Lord. He is repentant, yet we pray that Christ will get ahold of his heart totaly and that our son will make his faith trully his and not just what his parents believe. I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this except I just have felt moved to tell you I understand what you went through with Alicia and I appreciate your being candid about it. I am going to pray for Alicia that she will be able to give all her problems and hurts to Christ. Just lay them at the foot of the cross and ask Him to relieve her of them. I will also pray that she will give her life back to Christ. Would you consider praying for our son? He is 19 years old and has his life ahead of him. As a teenage he said he felt a strong calling to be a missionary and he seems to be turning his back on that. Would you pray for God's will in his life? And for him to seek God's will? We live in Englewood, CO. I just felt a kind of kindred bond with Wendy and I hope someday I can meet you. God Bless You and your beautiful family, Shaundra Chris and Wendy,
Our family just watched your show last night for the first time. We were intrigued that a tv show would showcase your wonderful family and not put a negative spin on it somehow. When they talked about your story with Alicia, I too was wondering how the story ends. I am a re-born christian, brought up in a christian home, yet I too had a short period of rebellion as a young adult. I came back to the Lord and have been living my life for Him as well as raising my children to love and serve Him. I am going through the Bible Study Fellowship study on Romans and this year I have finally been able to understand who I am before God and what grace really is.
We have a son that just finished his freshman year in college and we pray that he will continue to serve God. Yet a couple of months ago, he admitted to us that he had been doing something that is not pleasing to the Lord. He is repentant, yet we pray that Christ will get ahold of his heart totaly and that our son will make his faith trully his and not just what his parents believe.
I’m not sure why I’m telling you all this except I just have felt moved to tell you I understand what you went through with Alicia and I appreciate your being candid about it. I am going to pray for Alicia that she will be able to give all her problems and hurts to Christ. Just lay them at the foot of the cross and ask Him to relieve her of them. I will also pray that she will give her life back to Christ.
Would you consider praying for our son? He is 19 years old and has his life ahead of him. As a teenage he said he felt a strong calling to be a missionary and he seems to be turning his back on that. Would you pray for God’s will in his life? And for him to seek God’s will?
We live in Englewood, CO. I just felt a kind of kindred bond with Wendy and I hope someday I can meet you.
God Bless You and your beautiful family,
Shaundra

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