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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.


Crystal McDaniel
Aug 18, 20243 min read
A Picture Paints A Thousand Words...So I took them down.
In this world of social media, pictures are a big deal. We are all OBSESSED with pictures. We work at learning the best angles, the...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 17, 20244 min read
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: "...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 16, 20244 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 15, 20243 min read
The Road is Long...
Estrangement...What is there to say? We keep walking, we keep going, we fill our time. We let go of any and all weight that holds us...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 14, 20243 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 11, 20242 min read
Weightlifting...
The photo attached to this blog is Olympic Gold Medalist and fellow Chattanoogan, Olivia Reeves. We are very proud of her here in...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 6, 20243 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 5, 20243 min read
Resistance is Futile
I apologize, I'm told, stop apologizing, it isn't an apology that is needed. I listen, I'm told I'm not listening. After 5 years of...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 4, 20243 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 3, 20244 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 2, 20243 min read
The Emotional Toll of Estrangement: Coping Strategies for Parents in 2024
Estrangement in 2024 has become a complex and widespread issue affecting families worldwide. The emotional toll that estrangement from...
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Crystal McDaniel
Aug 1, 20244 min read
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. ...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 31, 20244 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 30, 20244 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 30, 20243 min read
Focus on the Positive, Eliminate the Negative
It is easy to become distracted when you are estranged from your adult child, and we are with our daughter. You want to search for...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 27, 20243 min read
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,...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 21, 20243 min read
The Courage to Say, "No More!"
Since my estranged adult daughter sent her email, Nelson and I have had a lot of discussion. Through the wisdom of one of my sweet...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 20, 20244 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 17, 20243 min read
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...
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Crystal McDaniel
Jul 16, 20243 min read
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....
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