Date: January 23, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Michelle Rohlf
Story Highlight: In today's episode of The Women Behind the Words, we delve into Michelle Rohlf's powerful story of estrangement and ultimate reconciliation with her daughter, Naomi. Michelle's journey is marked by deep emotional struggles, rooted in her own challenging childhood experiences.
Michelle recounts the early days of what was perhaps the beginning of estrangement, t...
Date: January 23, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Michelle Rohlf
Story Highlight: In today's episode of The Women Behind the Words, we delve into Michelle Rohlf's powerful story of estrangement and ultimate reconciliation with her daughter, Naomi. Michelle's journey is marked by deep emotional struggles, rooted in her own challenging childhood experiences.
Michelle recounts the early days of what was perhaps the beginning of estrangement, triggered when her 3-year-old daughter was sent to stay with her biological father for the summer. Despite not knowing her father well, it was determined Michelle’s daughter remained with her father for the summer. The separation from her mother had a profound impact on their relationship which Michelle realized as the years went on.
Michelle reflects on how her daughter became the center of her world, leading to a codependent relationship. Her protective nature unintentionally hindered her daughter's growth, fostering fear of life's challenges for Naomi and Michelle. She wanted to shelter her daughter from ever facing any conflict.
Michelle opens up about her own difficult childhood, marked by rejection from her grandmother and father. Constant criticism and body-shaming left Michelle feeling unworthy and affected her parenting approach.
Michelle realized her daughter, at age 17, was grappling with abandonment issues. Her daughter's marriage to a controlling older man further strained their relationship, leading to a prolonged separation, resulting in years-long estrangement.
Michelle's wake-up call came with the recognition of her own co-dependency and the decision to seek therapy. Embracing a spiritual journey, Michelle found solace and transformation through a relationship with Jesus.
Both Michelle and her daughter have experienced a wonderful transformation through their faith in Jesus and the blessing of a helpful therapist. Their mother-daughter relationship is restored, and they now walk together in the beauty of reconciliation.
Michelle's story is a testament to the power of God working in her life, self-awareness, therapy, and spiritual growth in overcoming deep-seated wounds. She gives all the glory to Jesus for her healing and reconciliation with her daughter! Today, Michelle and Naomi share a healthy, balanced relationship, with Jesus at the center.
About the Guest (Bio): Michelle has spent a lifetime focusing on relationships and encouraging others to cultivate their own healthy relationships by speaking at retreats, women’s meetings and Bible Studies. She has a passion for mentoring and discipleship whether it be one-on-one or in small groups. Married to a wonderful man since 1995, Michelle resides in Phoenix, Arizona. She has two daughters, two grandsons, and two small, fluffy dogs. Losing Her, Finding Me is her first book.
Book Spotlight: Losing Her, Finding Me
Finding hope amidst estrangement…
How does a mother who put her entire identity into her baby the moment she came into the world find herself again when, years later, her grown child cuts all ties?
Michelle Rohlf’s unwanted estrangement from her daughter, Naomi, strips her of everything . . . her grandchildren, her peace of mind, and most of all, herself. In spite of her broken heart and broken spirit, she embarks on a three-year journey of healing and forgiveness, discovering the impact her own upbringing had on her attachment to her daughter. But just as Michelle learns that her life isn’t over because her daughter walked away, Naomi shows up again, without apology or explanation.
Much to Michelle’s surprise, this reappearance challenges her own recovery from codependency. She finds herself in a struggle to hold on to the sense of self she fought so hard to gain. This is the story of a woman who had to lose her daughter in order to find the identity she’d never really had.
If you are a parent who has become estranged from your child, there is hope. You are not alone in this journey of rejection. The first step toward healing is to work on yourself. Find your own life apart from your child, because you are valuable and the world needs you.
Connect with Michelle Rohlf:
Website:michellerohlf.com
Email: michellerohlfwrites@gmail.com
