Coffee + Therapy∙ish

I am not a perfect person and I am by  definition a hypocrite. Being a Christian is hard work. The bible says that I should forgive others because God has forgiven me for all of my sins. Forgiveness was the road block to me seeking and finding Christ, but I did it. Lately though, I find myself being a hypocrite.  Why? I spent a better part of my teen years, lost. Walking through life aimlessly, no direction but looking for something more. I was hurt, the world [even at this young of an age] had broken me. My parents were wonderful role models and quite supportive. I had great siblings, a roof over my head and clothes on my back. Why did I feel like the world had broken me?  It begins with a story of a ten year old girl who was coerced into engaging in sexual behavior by her first cousin. She thought that this was appropriate because that 10 year old girl was told that it was so -- but also told not to tell anyone. From ten to fifteen this girl still dealt with this but only unti

In my life there has been one person who I have always looked up to for her strength and drive and that woman is Madeline Ruth Gifford (Hayes). Born in Gloversville, NY her childhood was very rough. She began working at age 16, leaving school to take care of her family. Over the course of 40 years she primarily worked at Johnstown Knitting Mill and White Mop Wringer of Fultonville whilst raising six children. If that does not show her determination and character she ended up going back and obtained her GED when she was forty-seven years old. Madeline spent her retirement with her late husband traveling cross-country, even traveling abroad to visit England and France. Family meant everything to her; she spent much time with her children and grandchildren.  Madeline was predeceased by her husband, Harold W. Gifford of Northville. Madeline is survived by her children, Connie Cockrell (Randy Cockrell), Kim Enright , Thomas Gifford (Joy Gifford), Don Gifford (Sheri Gifford), Harold Gi