Books
Wild Child, Waiting Mom – Finding Hope in the Midst of Heartache
The story of a mother and daughter as they travel through 10 years of bad choices made by the daughter and heartache felt by the mother.
Mother (Karilee) writes her perspective of each stage, telling about her spiritual journey, questions, prayers, and searching. She describes how God brought her the gift of hope, even when she thought her daughter was lost.
Daughter (Wendi) writes what she was feeling and choosing, and why. Through jolting and intensely personal descriptions, Wendi chronicles her emotional life from the time she separated from God until the day she realized her helplessness and need to regain the faith of her childhood.
336 pages softcover book
$10 – Book – Wild Child, Waiting Mom
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Marilyn G. :
Date: March 23, 2006 @ 6:32 am
What an incredible journey God brought you through with Wendi. Thank you so very much for so eloquently sharing this tragic, yet beautiful story of your pain and God’s unending supply of grace. To God be the glory! Your family is truly blessed to have come full circle. My respect and admiration for both you and Dan continue to grow. I fell in love with little Wendi and would love to meet her some day. “Wild Child, Waiting Mom” captivated me from the first page to the end and I know the book will change lives. God bless. — Marilyn G
Ellen S. :
Date: March 29, 2006 @ 12:42 pm
Just wanted to let you know that on Sunday I purchased your book (and then bought two more). I had a family member in mind when I got it, but wanted to read it myself, too. It is incredible. I couldn’t put it down and finished in two days. Although my own grown children did not go through the rebellion that you did, somehow I was really moved when I read your book. I have recommended it to quite a few people already and will continue to do so. I really believe that God will use this book to help many people. It must have been difficult to write, so thank you for your efforts in His name. I will need more copies and will get them soon. I wish every teen could read your book. And every mother of a teen. — Ellen S.
S.T. :
Date: April 6, 2006 @ 9:49 am
I’m so proud of your courage, commitment to Christ, and this wonderful ministry that the Lord has provided for you. Just today a high school girl in our church mentioned she has started reading your book and although her life hasn’t taken the road yours has, she connected with the hardness of the heart part. You have already touched her life. Thanks for willingness to be used and the vulnerability to connect. — S.T.
Julie :
Date: April 24, 2006 @ 1:52 pm
I just wanted to tell you how awesome I thought your book was! I’m sure you hear this frequently but, I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed it! [I was given] a copy of it to read… and I read it in a short time period of 36 hours… not bad for having a 2 year old. Plus, I’m not a reader at all…. so for me to sit down and read a book is pretty good! Anyway, your testimony was just so incredible and I really enjoyed traveling that journey with you as you retold your story! Thanks for sharing this… I will definitely be passing your book on to others! — Julie
Becky Rycenga :
Date: May 8, 2006 @ 1:30 pm
WOW! I just finished your book while we were on vacation and it’s true – I couldn’t put it down. What an amazing, incredible journey you have been on, chocked full of FAITHFULNESS, GRACE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS, LOVE, PATIENCE… I could go on and on. Needless to say, God will use your honesty and talent to His glory. Praise Him for all He plans out in our lives, even when we mess up, to bring others to Him. It may be face down, or on our knees, but in His time, we get there.Thank you so much Wendi for being so open. Believe me, I see you as a beautiful young woman with a heart that longs to serve others and make a difference for the good… AND YOU ARE!
With a heart full of love for you! — Becky Rycenga
P.S. Tell your mom she is my hero and role model!!
Kathy Pryor :
Date: December 30, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Thank you so much for your book, Wild Child, Waiting Mom. I have read, and re-read it so many times. It gives me hope, and reminds me that God is at work in the hearts of those we pray for even when we can’t see any sign of it. Please pray for me and my family as we struggle with a daughter who is running in the wrong direction.
Linda :
Date: May 30, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
You were the guest speaker at our church today Wendy, Bethany in La Crosse.
We have had a rough time with our daughter to. She is 33 and the struggle still continues, but getting better. Its been a very long journey. We have finally gotten her in church with us,
being of her own choice which we are grateful for. She was sitting right beside me today. Alot of what you said hit home to us. I was so glad she was there and heard your story. We had to get her 3 little boys from sunday school following the service. My husband was picking up your book for my daughter and I. God bless you Wendy in your travels and helping other children who are in
need. I am looking foward to reading your book which my husband just walked in the door with. Thank You for signing them. God Bless you Wendy from the bottom of my heart. Linda
Alberta :
Date: June 29, 2010 @ 3:24 pm
I have had your book for over a year but just finished reading it. What a blessing. We have been raising our 16 year old grand daughter since she was 3. We have had so many problems with her from the start. She is in trouble now and living with our Youth Pastor. Your book opened my eyes to so many things and areas of understanding. She is ADHD and OD as well. I think we may be able to get her into a House of Hope in Kansas. I see healing and hope for our family. Thanks for writing and laying your hearts open for us to learn from. I have read and re read so many parts of your book. I will recommend it to many people I am sure.
Becky Whittemore :
Date: August 17, 2010 @ 8:00 pm
Hello Wendi….my husband and I heard you speak at Unity and we talked with you afterward. Thank you so much for sharing your story in word and in writing; I have read your book and should take the time to read it again, as we still are struggling with a strained relationship with my husband’s 27-year-old daughter. She has been on the wrong path for ten years now, but at least she has started going to church again and taking her young children as well. We keep praying for God to turn her heart back to Him and bring her back into the light of His truth. She has been exchanging the truth for a lie for so long now, but we know He is able to turn her around. Your story gives hope to others, God bless you as you continue to share.