On Monday last week, my world took a sinister turn. I was on horseback when my father called me from Taiwan to tell me that he was getting married and that I could not inform anyone else about this for the time being. The woman in question is a new friend he met only two months ago during his latest journey in the US where he visited - and was taken in by - the New Age community and network. She calls herself Joy Ayo Tang.
In a chat to me, Joy asked me if it was okay if she invited my father over to Taiwan. I said it was, as I was happy for his new friendship. The man who returned two weeks later, however, had undergone a complete transformation of character. The voice of Arne Victor Garvi, the idealistic man who hungered for utopia and set up Eden Foundation in West Africa together with his wife Bettan, was now buried under layers of mockery and self-disgust.
When he called me exactly one week ago, he told me that neither I nor my siblings would be attending the wedding. Instead, he asked me to blog about Joy. I told him that I would have to meet her then, and soon after, my brother and I took the first plane from Africa to meet with my father and Joy, who were attending the Transmediale.10 conference in Berlin.
We joined my sister in Berlin yesterday morning and went to see my father at his hotel. We got to talk to many Voices that I did not recognize nor appreciate, but my father’s voice got through too and I am so glad I got to wrap my arms around him and tell him how much I love him. Dad, I will always love you. You are precious to me, no matter what!
Joy called me on the phone this morning and I have asked to meet. She has not responded, so I am still waiting for her reply.
My heart bleeds this week, but sometimes, nightmares are for real. All I know, is that the angels are on our side and that God has a card up his sleeve.
For other worlds, more cheerful and less surreal than mine, click here.
29 users commented in " Angels & Demons "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackNo wonder you were writing so much about your Mom.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I’m sure you, your sister and brother are very surprised. Hopefully your visit with Joy will clarify some things for the three of you. Why were you not to attend the wedding? May your angels be there to help get you through this major adjustment in your life. Remember, your Dad is still your Dad and always will be.
Wow! I don’t even know what to say other than you and your family are in my prayers. I can’t imagine going through something like that. Keep holding on to the Dad that you know!
Esther, you face a tough situation and you have a heart full of love to lead you through. Trust in yourself and in your family to find the best way to respond to frightening time.
Esther, this situation sounds scary and strange. I hope things take a turn for the better soon.
I’ve already told you everything I can think of to tell you. Know that your friends are here to lean on if you needs us. And your father will regain himself. Of this I am sure.
Oh Esther, I weep for you and your family. What a beautiful photo of your dad on his horse back in Niger. I pray that he will return to you all as he was before. The angels will protect you. Just keep praying to a God who is faithful to His children. Bless you, my friend. Be strong. (((Hugs))) Jo
I sensed something was wrong lately and now I can feel your fear and confusion. Give it time and it will all work out. May you find peace and understanding.
Wow, what a shock. Guess I’m not too surprised you Dad wants to move on. Plus he’s such a handsome catch. Sure hope this all works out well for everyone. My prayers are with you Esther.
I have sensed a difference in the tone of your posts and now I can understand why and I do feel your fear and concern. I too, will hold good thoughts for you and your family to find peace and understanding. May the week ahead bring good things to you all!
Sylvia
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you to deal with this, espcially as it hasn’t been that long since your mother passed away. Huge hugs.
This does explain your recent posts and messages from them…
We’ll be thinking of you and your family as you travel this challenge road…
You can’t change minds that are made up but you can at least listen and share your take on things…
Our best wishes flowing your way…
Oh Esther, that is quite some news! I feel your worry, this seems just seems to sudden. You did the right thing telling your dad that you love him. We are all worried that he has been/will be taken advantage of. I hope that we are worried for nothing and that things will turn out ok. No one will ever replace your Mom, but I know that you have much room in your heart for others. Please let us know when you hear from/meet Joy.
Hang in there, you know that we carry you in our hearts!
Esther: Sometimes love works in strange ways to entangle someone. You know who to turn to in times of need so stay strong my friend.
I, too, sensed something was badly troubling you and now I know what it is. What a shock to see your dad change so suddenly. It does seem like something evil is happening to him. I will pray for his release from this evil.
Love casts out all fear.
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through and that your family is having troubles. I don’t understand why you and your siblings would not be invited to attend the wedding? That seems very strange. I hope you are able to meet with Joy and it answers your questions and concerns! (Hugs from Kansas, USA)
You never know. But time stretches, and life rebounds. And there are many who love you, and who support your mission, so, if some drop out for a time, the rest will fill in. If you tell us what you need!
my goodness….he even LOOKS different. well, that’s what parents do….they get older, they change, they go through things they can’t tell their children about, they die. sometimes the change is their choice, and sometimes it’s simply an accident. one of my best friends in the world fell down the steps at her home two years ago, and she hasn’t been the same since. where did my dearest sweetest pal go? she was so full of life, and now she doesn’t want to talk to anyone.
the quakers have a saying…”I’ll hold you in the light.” and so i will, esther. i’ll hold you and arne and joy in the light. trust life, esther. we can’t understand it–i can’t understand it not even half of the time–but we’re in it, and it’s in us.
Interesting. Now you need brushing up Taiwan history 101. For starter, why not have a look at my comment of this Jan. 24, under one of Miriam’s posts? It’s still right there at the top of the comments.
Ms. Tang had left a thoughtful comment, too. She sounds endowed with a beautiful soul. In Wiki, read about 228, meaning the events starting Feb. 28, 1949 that are etched in the Taiwanese soul. When you get a chance ask her how her family recalls that somber page.
Taiwan mightily deserves our attention and sympathy.
Here’s a big HUG! You’re in my prayers. Hoping that all will turn out for the good.
Esther, dear, I know to say only
GOD PROTECT ALL OF U
And that your father have taken teh best decidion to his life cause
LYCKA TILl
Hi Esther, I commented already but would like you to contact me on e-mail if possible. Thinking of you (((Hugs))) Jo
OOps!! Please correct a typo in my previous comment and read, “… In Wiki, read about 228, meaning the events starting Feb. 28, 1947 (not 1949) that are etched in the Taiwanese soul.” Thank you.
I know from experience how hard it is to have a surviving parent move on with a stranger. I do hope it all works out for you. I’ll say an extra prayer for your family.
I’m sorry to hear this distressing news. I’ll be praying for things to work out for the best.
You may find recent posts on http://www.observationsfromthesidelines.blogspot.com helpful.
Hei Esther
Vil bare si at jeg ble berørt av det du skriver, og at mine tanker og bønner er med deg.
yngve
Wow Esther I am so sorry, some of these ‘organisations’ are very determined and scary. I will be praying your father returns to you all quickly and wakes up to what this really is.
But at the end of the day, we can only love our family members, we cannot protect them from everything. And we have to sometimes stand back and let them fall, only to be there to pick them up.
Esther, again, today, I am praying for you and for your father.
It’ s very hard to take the distances from our family, realizing that the things are no longer as they used to be when we were children.
It’ s hard especially if we’ ve been told that: “family is everything”, “sacrifice for your family”, “put the family first”, “our family is strong”, “together we are special”, “we’ll be always together”, and so on.
Although I don’ t know you, I clearly feel your pain, I’m sad for you: often, the most sensitive people pay the highest price.
The things are just the way they are, and there are always new battles to start: I wish you to have the chance and the strenght to put everything back in order. Hugs.
Wow Ishtar. I know what you are going thru. My dad dated all sorts of crazy women after my parents divorced, but he never married any of them or lost his sense of self. It is very hard to watch our parents make mistakes…go meet this woman with an open mind, but trust your intuition. Hope your Dad finds the strength to slow down and make sure he is making the right decision for himself and his family. Thoughts are with you.
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