Feeling abandoned?

Have you heard the story of the woman whose nose started hurting whenever she felt lonely? It's a true story.

A fellow named Ernie Larsen developed a film series for those in chemical dependency treatment. One film tided "Unresolved Anger" was very helpful to me. So helpful that my eyes and my heart have been opened to the source of my migraine headaches--and the cure.

Occasional migraines

The woman's nose hurting and my head hurting go back to childhood events. As a little girl, the woman would press her nose against the living room window while she was waiting for her father. She so looked forward to his hugs, his smell and the scratch of his whiskers against her cheek. She went to bed without them many times.

One day I was home early from school. I was excused because of a migraine. That was nothing new. The fact is I suffered from occasional migraines from early childhood through age 46. I had hallucinations, nausea and hours of pain. For many years, each headache was only resolved by a combination of pain killer, decongestant, hot packs and sleep.

The doctors told me it was the cantaloupe I ate or asked, "Have you bad any chocolate today?" I even had ear wax removed and cold bean bags to press on my eyes.

That day when I was home from school, I lay on the couch trying to sleep through the pain. The couch was in the living room just inside the front door.

Even though I was probably not aware of my intentions, I was on the couch for a reason. If Dad came home in time for supper, he would see me lying there.

There were other times in the past and also later on, when Dad would pick me up at school after I had vomited in the classroom. Those are nightmare memories. I was so embarrassed that I had not been quick enough to reach the bathroom before vomiting.

As I lay on the couch that evening, I felt a touch on my forehead and a kiss on my cheek. I saw Dad's understanding eyes. His overcoat smelled good. From behind his back he brought out a brand new football--still in the box! It wasn't even my birthday.

I fell asleep smiling and hugging a new football.

At the age of 46, I realized I was angry with Dad. Why was he always gone at night? Why did he have to work on Saturday when I wanted to play ball with him? I needed some time with him--not just a football. Neglect equaled a migraine. Feeling abandoned equaled a migraine.

What was the true cure? What was the real resolution? Forgiveness.

The woman's nose finally stopped hurting when she truly forgave her father. I have forgiven my Dad, who is now at rest in the Lord. My unresolved anger is now resolved. Forgiveness is the answer.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Intertribal Christian Communications
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group