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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 Thinking About Freedom?

Thinking About Freedom The Fourth of July celebrations are behind us. Summer nights are once again quiet, the firework stands are gone and our streets are absent of floats and marching bands. And yet, our freedom still reigns.  Freedom is my theme for the month of July. Not just political freedom, but our physical, mental,…

Why Bother Remembering Our Forefathers?

flags at sunset
Our Forefathers We are nearing the Fourth of July, the official day Americans remember and celebrate our country’s independence. The American Revolutionary War put an end to Britain’s rule over the colonists and America established itself as a democracy, a free country.   My instruction in democracy came from public education. In first grade I learned…

Why Bother Recognizing An Unforced Rhythm?

photo of a man and a woman at a dinner party
An Unforced Rhythm “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy…

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Relationships
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