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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 Understanding the Differences?

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Understanding the Differences We are better adults if we can understand that each sibling and parent relationship is different. No two are the same. No two are equal.   Of course the relationship that I had with Mom and Dad was different from the relationship my brothers and sisters experienced. Though I didn’t get around to…

Why Bother Being Glad for Siblings?

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Glad for Siblings We are better adults if we can be glad for our siblings. After all, they were along for the same ride as we were while growing up. And if we grew up with them, then they certainly have some of the same shared experiences as we do. Their point of view will…

Why Bother Regarding Dad?

man and a kid in a living room
Regarding Dad Whether we are an only child, one of many, wanted, adopted or abused, we are better adults if we appraise our childhoods instead of trying to forget them.  Our childhoods shape us. During our formative years, beginning in infancy and ending when we finally fly the coop, we form certain ideas on how…

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