Welcome,

I'm so happy you're here

Now Available

For Terese Luikens, a picture-perfect childhood it was not. Frequent moves. An emotionally absent mother and an alcoholic father. Suicide.

The sixth of seven children, Terese grew up in an unstable and chaotic household—invisible to her mom yet cherished by her alcoholic dad, who took his own life when Terese was thirteen years old.

This heartfelt memoir documents the chain reaction of a tumultuous family history. From her stormy childhood to the far-reaching effects of her father’s suicide, Terese shares her inspiring journey to escape the shame of her past, find healing and love, learn to trust, and discover faith in a real and personal God.

Terese Luikens

Meet the Author

Writer Terese Luikens contributes articles for Mother Earth News, The Secret Place, Decision Magazine, The Upper Room, Hearts at Home, and the Epoch Times and publishes her own blog, Why Bother? A schoolteacher and a yoga instructor, Terese lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, with her husband and enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren.

Latest Blog Posts

Why Bother Relishing Our Freedom of Movement?

Freedom of Movement It is high summer and the season and a reason for us to take a road trip.  Traveling by car is our favorite and still the freest form of travel getting us from point A  to point B. Unlike planes or trains, my husband and I decide our time of departure, and…

Why Bother to Value Our Freedom to Forgive?

illustration of 2 kids on a balcony near the sea
Freedom to Forgive  Did you know that forgiving someone does not require their participation, cooperation or concession? We can forgive them, let them off the hook, and clear their debt of what we think they owe us without their authorization, authority, or blessing.  When I forgave my father, who was already six feet under ground,…

Why Bother Celebrating Our Freedom to Celebrate?

Freedom to Celebrate July is a celebratory month. It started off with a big bang as our nation celebrated its 250th birthday.  There were all kinds of ways to participate and commemorate the day. Some people chose to gather for family picnics, march in a parade or stand on the side lines and wave.  Early…

Blog Categories

An Elderly Women Eating Salad in the Kitchen
Communication
two women walking together outdoor during daytime
Relationships
Family
Woman Sitting on Gray Rock Near Body of Water
Mental Health
Person Jogging
Health
selective focus photography of woman holding yellow petaled flowers
Faith